Former Strathclyde student union to be 'transformed' after £50m donation from successful graduate

Chiara Pollock

18 November 2024 at 8:53 am·3-min read

An artists impression of the multi-million project — -Credit: (Image: University of Strathclyde)

The University of Strathclyde’s former student union building is set to be transformed in a major multimillion project.

With £30 million, the building on John Street, Glasgow, will be transformed into a digital, entrepreneurial and social engagement hub, following the support of a successful alumnus donor.

The building will be named the Charles Huang Advanced Technology and Innovation Centre (CHATIC) in recognition of a £30 million contribution to the project by Dr Charles Huang, global business leader and founder of private equity firm Pasaca Capital Inc. This was part of a larger £50m donation he made through his foundation to Strathclyde in 2021, the university’s largest-ever philanthropic gift.

The building has lain empty since 2021 -Credit:Google Maps

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the refurbishment of the 10-storey, 5,535 square metre premises, originally built in 1959, will emit around 67% less carbon when compared to a new-build, while retaining a building which holds many memories for Strathclyders and Glaswegians more widely and continuing to contribute towards the city.

The CHATIC will provide additional research facilities for advancing Health Technologies, 5G Communications, Industrial AI, FinTech, Quantum Technologies and Space research, alongside housing an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub and a Social Innovation Hub.

With space for businesses to co-locate within the University, CHATIC will create a critical mass of companies, innovation support organisations, cutting-edge research and community engagement facilities that will deliver increased economic and social impact.

The building has lain empty since Strath Union moved to its new home in the university’s Learning and Teaching Building on Richmond Street in 2021, though part of the building incorporates the University’s combined heat and power district heating system.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “I am delighted that CHATIC will facilitate new opportunities to: partner and innovate with industry; enhance research capabilities by actively developing our research leaders of the future; grow entrepreneurial and social innovation opportunities open to staff, students and the wider community; and, it will create opportunities for our students to engage with industry research partners.

“We are hugely grateful to Charles for his very generous contribution to this project and are delighted to recognise this through the naming of the new building.”

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The £50m donation from Dr Huang also enabled the creation of the Stephen Young Institute for International Business, funded two professorial chairs in the Institute and supported the establishment of The Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Awards and The Stephen Young Global Leaders Scholarship Programme.

Lina Tullberg, CEO of the Charles Huang Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to see our donation to the University of Strathclyde come to fruition and meet with Dr Charles Huang’s original objectives. The CHATIC is the last piece of the programmes funded by the donation, with the other elements progressing well.”

The development of CHATIC will complement a number of other projects within Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) – including Love Loan and Candleriggs Square – which was recognised in the UK Government’s 2020 R&D roadmap.

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