April 26 2023

A replacement radionuclide facility for the production of radio-pharmaceutical medicines is to be built by Oberlanders at Gartnavel Hospital to replace an existing facility at the former Western Infirmary.

Commissioned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde the highly specialised facility will occupy a standalone plot off Shelley Road, previously home to nurses' accommodation.

Comprising a mix of clean rooms, laboratories and support spaces the Pollock Building is intended to be welcoming without drawing attention, with an east-west layout split between 'hot' pharmaceutical manufacturing and 'cold' support spaces.

Employing a split-pitch roofline in deference to the B-listed Calman Building the design comprises two brick 'bookends'. In their design summary Oberlanders wrote: "Red brick was chosen for these facades for a number of different reasons: for mass and solidness, critical in presenting a robust building, given the importance of the work undertaken within. A zinc skin then folds up and over the split ridges, contained between these two bookends.

"The red brick and zinc also aligns with both the post-industrial feel and intention of the building, whilst also acknowledging the material quality of the adjacent Calman Centre and extension. It is appreciated that these bookends could be seen as heavy and imposing, particularly to the north, where it will be viewed by residential properties. To this end, careful detailing of the entrance facade to demonstrate the material quality of the brick form, has been proposed."

A landscape strategy will connect the facility to the hospital grounds, including a courtyard-style garden.

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