CONTROVERSIAL proposals by a Scottish university to move campus to a motorway business park have been ditched.
Campaigners had opposed plans by the University of the West of Scotland to close its Hamilton campus in South Lanarkshire and relocate to the Eurocentral industrial estate on the M8 east of Glasgow.
However, in a statement the UWS said Hamilton would "remain a university town" as it announced plans to move into Hamilton International Technology Park (HITP) instead.
The site, located 15 miles south east of Glasgow on the A725, would be transformed into "a state of the art, modern campus".
A third option, to redevelop the existing campus in Almada Street, Hamilton, has also been rejected.
A business case for the HITP development will go before the University Court next year.
Ian Welsh OBE, Chair of UWS Court, said: “We held detailed discussions with the developers and other stakeholders, who presented a very compelling and convincing business and educational case for HITP, including an exciting and innovative legacy plan for the current campus location which will add even more value to the town centre.
“In assessing these options, we consulted widely with the community, engaging with students, colleagues and external stakeholders to best advise our position. However the final decision is one for the University.”
The HITP development includes plans for state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities for students and lecturers, sports amenities and new student accommodation.
It will also see the west side of HITP become the UWS Technology and Innovation Park, housing UWS’s research and commercial activities.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, Professor Craig Mahoney, said: “This will be a game-changer for higher education in Scotland and will create the country’s most, dynamic and exciting learning environment, allowing us to grow the educational opportunities for students internationally, across the UK, Lanarkshire and the wider central belt.
“As well as securing the long-term future of UWS in Hamilton, we’re able now to develop a truly inspirational and world-class University campus fit for existing and future students."
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