Former Strathclyde Union to be transformed into innovation and technology hub following £30 million investment

Former Strathclyde Union on John St in Glasgow is set for a major transformation.

Transcript

00:00Some major changes are set to take place in the city centre.

00:03The former Strathclyde Union on John Street is set to undergo a £30 million transformation.

00:08Here's everything you need to know.

00:10After receiving financial support from an alumnus donor,

00:13plans can go ahead to change the building into a digital, entrepreneurial and social engagement hub.

00:17It will be named the Charles Huang Advanced Technology and Innovation Centre

00:21in recognition of the contribution.

00:24Dr Huang is a global business leader and founder of private equity firm,

00:27Pisaka Capital Incorporated.

00:30And the donation is part of a larger £50 million cheque he handed to the university

00:34through his foundation in 2021,

00:37the largest philanthropic gift Strathclyde has ever received.

00:40The centre will provide additional research facilities for advancing health technologies,

00:445G communications, industrial AI, fintech, quantum technologies and space research,

00:50alongside housing an innovation and entrepreneurial hub and a social innovation hub.

00:55The building has been emptied since Strathclyde Union moved to its new home

00:59on Richmond Street in 2021.

01:00The centre is set for completion in 2026.

01:04A refurbishment of the 10 storey, 5,535 square metre premise,

01:10originally built in 1959, will emit around 67% less carbon when compared to a new build,

01:17while retaining a building which holds many memories for former students and Glaswegians.

01:21The £50 million donation has also enabled a range of opportunities,

01:25including the creation of the Stephen Young Institute for International Business,

01:30funded two professional chairs in the institute and supported the establishment of the Stephen

01:34Young Entrepreneurship Awards and the Stephen Young Global Leaders Scholarship Programme.

01:38What do you think about the refurbishment and what could it do for Glasgow?

01:41Do you think these are the right areas for universities to be investing in?