People Make Projects: Building the University of Glasgow

Our partnership with the University of Glasgow has been effortless, because we share a common ethos and vision for the future of the campus" - Darren Pike, Project Director at Multiplex. 

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is woven into the fabric of the city. From its medieval origins on High Street to its iconic West End campus, it has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of students, research, and society. Today, a £1.8 billion investment marks the University's most transformative chapter yet, and we're proud to play a central role. 

To date, our redevelopment includes the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Advanced research Centre (ARC), the Clarice Pears School of Health and Wellbeing, and the Adam Smith Building, with the Keystone Building now underway. These are more than just new buildings - they represent a complete revitalisation of the area. 

"The new buildings make the campus feel bigger, more modern and more exciting! I often go to the ARC café to study or to meet friends, and I love the pedestrianised area outside. It's always buzzing with students, lecturers, the public and often skateboarders!" - Jessica Edwards, 2^nd year Law and Spanish student.

Each site brought unique engineering challenges, from the discovery of an uncharted  mineshaft to designing specialised rooms for magnetism research. We also carried out complex infrastructure works, including the demolition of 14 buildings, extensive asbestos removal , and a remediation strategy to mitigate post-demolition contamination. 

At Multiplex, social value underpins everything we do - a value the University also shares. So far, we've raised more than £120k for local charities, hosted 68 community events, provided 150 apprenticeships, and facilitated 165 work placements, with further plans in the pipeline. 

"As an engineering student that wants to work in the built environment, having Multiplex around me has opened up many opportunities. I did a work placement with Multiplex in the summer, and they introduced me to Carey's, their civil subcontractor, who I will be going on to do a summer placement with this year" - Kwyn Sulapas, Student Representative.

These initiatives are creating real-world impact, inspiring the next generation of engineers, building skills for the future and supporting local people. This extends to the surrounding public realm, what was once a closed-off campus is now an open, welcoming space that community members feel invited to explore. 

"I cannot overstate how much I love the view from Byres Road at the junction with the University Place... the quirky 'Glasgow map' external façade of the Clarice Pears Building, the beautiful paving giving way to the old building in the distance... it's a snapshot of the old, the new, the future and the Glaswegian sense of fun. I smile when I see it" - Kathleen McAnea, local resident and University of Glasgow Alumni. 

As we move forward with the Keystone Building, our final project in this phase, we remain focused on delivering places that serve people and strengthen communities - constructing a better future. 

"Speaking to people who use the buildings every day, whose lives have been positively impacted by them, is so rewarding. What this development is doing for the West End of Glasgow is brilliant to see" - Darren Pike, Project Director at Multiplex.