University campus could close if Halls plans are rejected

Ally McGilvray • Published 20 Apr 2010 12:56 2 Comments

CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish the old halls of residence at Heriot-Watt University in Galashiels and build new state-of-the-art accommodation for 250 students have been branded "stark" and "uninteresting".

Community councillors commented on the proposed £12 million development at a presentation in the town last week.

However, the university's surveyor Andrew Isherwood revealed there were concerns the campus could be forced to close unless the plans are approved.

He explained the current rooms at the student halls of residence fell below the expected standard and could lose its licence if they are not upgraded.

The meeting heard that as many as 12 students were currently forced to share a single kitchen at the campus and many of the bedrooms were too small and lacked ensuite facilities.

Listening in to the debate, former Scottish Borders Council leader Drew Tulley said: "This investment has to be welcomed and shows the university's commitment to the town." But he added: "My one regret is the external cladding is all white."

The meeting heard that the fashion students at the university, who have already been consulted on the plans, may be asked to design giant murals to brighten up the buildings.

However, despite repeated requests, the Border Telegraph has been refused a copy of a computer generated image showing what the new student halls of residence would look like - despite being shown at the public meeting.

The meeting also heard concerns had been expressed by residents over the height of the new buildings as well as a shortage of car parking spaces. There is currently only 40 car parking spaces for 270 students.

Stewart Stevenson, the project's architect, said: "There is a desire to get the students involved. There is definitely the intention to allow them to make their mark with colours or whatever."

The university inherited the student residences, which were built back in the 1960s, from the former Scottish College of Textiles.

However, if the plans are approved, it is anticipated work - which includes the demolition of the university gym - could start on the new halls as soon as the summer.

It follows a multi-million pound make-over of the university last year.

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• 

  Lesbe Frank
  Unregistered User
  Apr 22, 14:24
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  "revealed there were concerns the campus could be forced to close unless the plans are approved".
  
  Oh - the old, if we dinnae get our way we'll close it down. Aye right, especially after multi-million pound investment in the Borders the previous years. As if people have millions to chuck down drains at the moment....
  
  If people want to cut off their noses to spite their faces, so be it.
  
  I don't care if the buildings are stark and uninteresting - what's currently there's hardly brilliant - and all overlooked by a massive housing estate. It'll be just another blot on the landscape.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Onyourcase
  Unregistered User
  Aug 30, 15:14
  Report comment

  Great idea to update the halls, but please no more white pebble dash!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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