Designating the James Watt South Building, Gilmorehill Campus, University of Glasgow

Closed 17 Oct 2025

Opened 26 Sep 2025

Contact

Designations

0131 668 8914

designations@hes.scot

Overview

We are proposing to list the James Watt South Building, at the University of Glasgow’s Gilmorehill Campus, which was designed by architects Keppie Henderson & Gleave and opened in 1958. It was built as an extension to the Engineering Faculty of the University of Glasgow and was largest and most expensive of the new buildings that were constructed as part of the University’s first phase of expansion in the post-war period. It continues in use by the Engineering Faculty in 2025.

The James Watt South Building is a notable example of a post-war tertiary education building that has remained largely unaltered since it was built. Designed in the Festival of Britain style popular in the 1950s, it displays features of definite architectural quality that reflect the post-war investment in higher education, particularly in scientific disciplines. These include the finely detailed stonework, curtain wall glazing, and original metal windows and balconies. It also features a prominent sculptural relief panel called ‘The Progress of Science’ by the English sculptor Eric Kennington, which is a notable example of his work and his only known major commission in Scotland. The interior also retains much of its mid-20th century features and character, including period staircases, woodwork and metalwork.

The James Watt South Building was a major extension to the oldest engineering faculty in the UK, focusing on provision for naval architecture and ocean engineering and funded by Glasgow’s shipbuilding industry. Since its construction, the building has provided important educational facilities for students and continues in constant use by the university.

We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category B.

Read more about why we think the James Watt South Building meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

Main elevation of the James Watt Building with the Gilbert Scott Building in the background. Left side of building as facing photo is almost entirely windows, while the right side facing is a mixture of yellow bricks with windows are regular spacing. In front of the entrance is two disabled parking spaces and a bike rack. It appears to be a gloomy day.Main elevation and south block (looking west) of the James Watt South Building, with the Gilbert Scott Building in the background © HES

How we designate listed buildings

We list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A dedicated team researches and assesses all designation applications.

Why your views matter

We’d love to know whether you agree with our proposal.

To help you respond to the following survey, please read why we think the James Watt South Building meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling.

You can tell us if you agree with our proposal by completing the short questionnaire below.

This questionnaire usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Find out what comments we consider and what happens next in our consultation guide or watch our designations video on YouTube.

You can also watch a version of this video in British Sign Language.

 

What happens next

Please note that this consultation is now closed.

We are now considering the comments received at consultation before making a decision on designation. When we have reached a decision, we will publish this on our Portal, and it will also be available to view on Citizen Space.