THE boss of a city university has warned of problems funding a controversial move to one of Glasgow's most deprived areas.

As revealed by the Evening Times in July, Glasgow Caledonian University was considering moving from the city centre to the East End, near the Commonwealth Games village.

However, principal Pamela Gillies says the move is now uncertain.

In a report to the university senate, she says: "We are in the early stages of exploring the feasibility of an ambitious and innovative initiative which could see us relocate to the East End.

"Given the changes in the global economic situation, it would appear extremely difficult to fund such a bold initiative."

Glasgow City Council hopes the 2014 Commonwealth Games will kick-start regeneration of the East End with new facilities, economic development, increasing tourism, more jobs and the building of private and social homes.

Glasgow Caledonian believed it could provide a significant educational focus for the redevelopment.

Other education providers, health and social care organisations, sports and leisure providers, arts agencies and businesses were to be invited to co-locate with the university.

The idea proved controversial to some staff, who had not been consulted when plans were first made public.

There were serious questions over whether they were economically viable, could be delivered on time, or made sense given recent major investment at the university's Cowcaddens Road campus.

Nick McKerrell, convener of the combined union committee, said: "The unions would be pleased to see the back of this. Although, rather than using the credit crunch as an excuse, the university management should accept it was simply an ill-conceived idea."