Robertson completes Glasgow Caledonian University transformation

GCUPic: Peter DevlinInfrastructure group Robertson has completed work on a major element of the £30 million ‘Heart of the Campus’ project at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Robertson Central carried out £20m of construction works which has created a new main entrance which will serve as a gateway to the University’s city centre campus. In addition, it has renovated the George Moore and Hamish Wood buildings to allow for state-of-the-art space for students and staff.

The technically challenging project, carried out in four phases from May 2014, involved the removal of existing cladding panels and the remodelling and refurbishment of occupied concrete framed buildings. It also included high quality and extensive public realm work and significant new soft landscaping.

The renovated Hamish Wood building
The renovated Hamish Wood building



During the demolition works the external cladding on the bottom two floors of the George More building were removed whilst the remaining six upper floors remained in use by the students and staff.

David Cairns, managing director at Robertson Central, said: “This has been a massive undertaking, a hugely complex job but one we were thrilled to play a key part in.

“The entire team has worked tirelessly over the past two years to deliver on this redevelopment. Throughout most of the work, the university was filled with nearly 20,000 students which meant we had to be extra resourceful in getting the job done while ensuring minimum disruption for students and staff.

“This is a clear example of the type of large-scale development we can deliver, and I have no doubt it will serve the GCU population well over the coming years.”



The project was led on the ground by Mark Saunders, a project director for Robertson Central who studied Construction Management at the university.

GCUPic: Peter DevlinGerry Milne, chief financial officer and vice-principal infrastructure, Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “The Heart of the Campus project is a key part of the Campus Futures initiative, a series of works aimed at upgrading our estate.

“We worked closely with Robertson, forging an excellent relationship built on communication and collaboration – both of which contributed to the project’s success.

“Being the first university to achieve EcoCampus Platinum / ISO 14001 certification, Robertson also bought into our principles of sustainable development – reducing waste, maximising recycling and saving energy.



“As a result our campus has been transformed, with new learning and social spaces, a dedicated hub for Student Services and a 500-seat lecture theatre. Now, with the work complete, we can look forward to students and staff getting the most out of the state-of-the-art campus.”


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