University of the West of Scotland outlines Hamilton ‘urban village’ proposals
New plans have been revealed to transform the Hamilton campus of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) into an ‘urban village’ complete with 365 homes, some of which will be affordable housing.
A masterplan framework devised by Ironside Farrar on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council and UWS calls for wholesale redevelopment of the 7.5 acre town centre campus following the university’s relocation to an out of town technology park next year.
The application for planning in principle for Hamilton Green: Hamilton Urban Village also includes a five-storey hotel, refurbished office space, care home and retirement flats with complementary retail and restaurants.
The site, which sits between Almada Street, Beckford Street and Bothwell Road, is set to feature up to 365 mixed residential homes, including townhouses and flats.
And the area could also host an 80-bed, five-storey hotel that will replace the current University of the West of Scotland student accommodation.
Office space would occupy the Caird Building at the university with a leisure/retail space and a 70-bed care home.
Plans include a distinctive “north-south linear greenspace” at the heart of the new development. The area is described in the proposals as being “inspired by the large parade grounds at the centre of the former barracks, and this open space gives structure to the new urban form connecting Almada Street with Caird Street.”
In the report’s planning statement, Ironside Farrar wrote: “The proposed design strategy takes its cue from the former barracks use of the site to form a large rectangular public greenspace which provides the development with a clear central focus and the area with a civic greenspace.”
A University of the West of Scotland spokesperson said: “The university is working in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council to explore various options for redevelopment of this location. We are in the early stages of development, having recently completed a number of joint public consultation events.”
Two community engagement events, where members of the public could drop in and inspect the proposals, have already taken place earlier this year.
The development, depending on market conditions, is expected to take place between 2018 and 2028.