Date Created: 20 February 2012
Plans to develop a world-class research and technology centre at the University of Strathclyde have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow city planners.
The Technology and Innovation Centre will bring together academics and partners from industry and business – from across the international scene – to develop solutions to challenges which are central to economic regeneration and to address key technological challenges facing society.
The Centre is due to be open for business in 2014.
Boost for jobs and inward investment
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Today’s news marks an important milestone in a development which will reinforce our position as a leading international technological university, attract major inward investment to the city, create jobs and help businesses compete on the world stage.
“The University is dedicated to sharing knowledge and finding solutions to challenges that matter in areas of economic and societal importance – including health, energy, manufacturing and the economy. We are also committed to helping companies compete globally. Our approach is already revolutionising the way researchers in academia and industry collaborate and innovate together.
"The Technology and Innovation Centre will be a tangible sign of that commitment, enabling our world-class researchers to work side-by-side with colleagues from business and industry. With our key TIC partners including SSE, ScottishPower and the Weir Group, and University-wide industry partners including Babcock, Rolls-Royce, EDF and Gamesa, the University of Strathclyde stands at the intersection of research, industry and academia."
At 25,000 square metres, the building will have the equivalent floor space of almost 100 tennis courts and will house up to 1200 researchers from the University and its partners in both the public and private sectors.
A 5000 square metres Industry Engagement Building, which will be located next to the University's TIC and will accommodate around 500 occupants, has also secured planning permission.
European first
The centre will be the first of its kind in Europe and will become the cornerstone of the International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) – Scotland’s hub for global green energy developments.
Developed with industry, for industry, TIC has already attracted major international partners including SSE, ScottishPower and the Weir Group, alongside funding from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council.
Scottish Enterprise Director of Infrastructure, Allan McQuade, said:
"Today's confirmation of planning permission for both the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre and our Industry Engagement Building, brings us another step closer to establishing Scotland's International and Renewable Energy Zone as a global R&D hub which will help shape the renewable energy industry of tomorrow.
"Glasgow is already attracting many major developers and pioneers in the offshore wind sector and these developments will help reinforce Scotland's position as a location of choice for the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry."