It was a place where many people studied over the decades, but time is up for the former Bell College building in Hamilton, as the last part gets demolished.
The College was created in 1972, and was initially known as Bell College of Technology.
On 1 August 2007 Bell College merged with the University of Paisley to form the largest ‘modern’ (post-1992) Scottish University. The amalgamated body began life as the University of Paisley, but applied to be renamed as ‘The University of the West of Scotland’. This change came into effect on 30 November 2007.
The buildings remained in use as part of the UWS facilities until 2018, when a new campus at the Hamilton International Technology Park (actually situated in Blantyre) was completed. Much more is to come for this land. Plans are submitted for the intended redevelopment of the Almada Street site into a mix of office, retail and residential use and a park area, with the working name Hamilton Green urban village.
Photo Courtesy: Iain Douglas
I studied there 82 to 85 & it was my spring board to University & professional life. Whilst its sad to see it & the technology it taught go, its sadder to see the industries its supported decline & disappear. Are there other local Tech Colleges teaching basic engineering? BioMed, STEM subjects?