A £350 million scheme to transform the campus of Strathclyde University have been given the final go ahead.

The 15-year plan, which has led to some controversy, will see the development of four distinct academic quarters.

This will enable staff in the engineering, business, science, humanities and social sciences departments to collaborate more closely on pioneering research and teaching.

Students will benefit from a new sports and health centre, which will open in 2012, and a “one stop shop” for student services will be created in the McCance Building on Richmond Street by 2014. Additional investment is also planned for a new building for the Students’ Association.

The investment is designed to help attract business and industry to the city.

University bosses are also holding talks about a new technology and innovation centre, which will enable small firms and global companies to work side-by-side with top graduates and research experts.

Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde said: “This investment will create first-class facilities for our staff, students and partners.

“We’re delighted that our governing body has endorsed the campus plans and work is already underway to make them a reality.”

There were protests when the £350m shake-up was first revealed in June this year.

The plan, which will cut the size of Strathclyde’s property estate by 40%, will also see the university dispose of the student union in John Street and vacate several properties leased from Glasgow City Council along George Street.

Students have questioned the sale of the union while some academics have queried why so much money is being spent on buildings while the university is cutting 140 staff.

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