Glasgow University submits plans for major new development

The Keystone building is the latest development planned for the site of the former Western Infirmary

Plans have been submitted for a new University of Glasgow building in the west end of the city.

University leaders want to build the seven-storey Keystone building on site of the former Western Infirmary.

In proposals submitted to Glasgow City Council, the university says the building will have the capacity to house 520 academics and 3,900 undergraduates.

It is the latest in a series of developments on the Western site, which extends the university main Gilmorehill campus.

A report to planners says the proposed development "fulfils an urgent requirement for high-quality learning, teaching and research space".

The university's existing ageing facilities do not address the current needs of staff and students "in a manner consistent with the world class reputation of the university", it adds.

The university says the Keystone building will be a "world class exemplar of sustainable development" as well as a "vibrant and inspirational place to attract and retain the world's most talented staff and students".

The University of Glasgow, which was founded in 1451, is the second-oldest in Scotland after St Andrews.

It currently has a student roll of more than 38,000 across undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Additional reporting by Local Democracy Reporting Service journalist Catherine Hunter