Glasgow’s technology centre open for business

The Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) at the University of Strathclyde is now open for business, with a full programme of conferences scheduled for the coming weeks and most of the building’s occupants having taken up residence.

More than 2,600t of steelwork was supplied and erected by Severfield for the wedge shaped nine-storey steel-framed TIC project. Steel was chosen for its flexibility and ability to form open column free spaces.

The central portion of the structure contains a 450-seat auditorium located at level two. Allowing the auditorium to be column free, a pair of 25m-long double height trusses were installed at levels 4 and 7. The two trusses were bolted together during the installation process to form one large five-storey element.

The TIC provides office, conference facilities and laboratory space for students, academics and industry experts to work jointly on solutions to challenges in sectors as diverse as power and energy, renewable technologies, photonics and sensors, advanced engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing and bio-nano systems.

The TIC has already attracted major industrial partners and at £89M, the project is the University’s single biggest investment in its research capacity. It is anticipated it will become the cornerstone of Scottish Enterprise’s new International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone – a global economic hub bringing innovative businesses into the heart of Glasgow.