BUSINESSES have written to a Scottish university raising concerns over a controversial proposal to move its campus.
The FSB has called for more information and clarity about the move and also requested a copy of the university's economic impact assessment.
Tony Higgins, the FSB’s Lanarkshire branch chairman, said: “We spoke to our members in Hamilton regarding the UWS Hamilton campus development.
"It was clear that most of them fear that moving the campus would have a negative impact on their business, whilst they feel out in the cold ahead of a vital decision on the university’s future in Hamilton.
"We believe that, due to the significant economic impact of the campus development, a decision and debate on it should be made in a transparent and inclusive manner and that the local business community should be part of it.
"This is why we asked the UWS to disclose the results of its economic impact assessment. We understand this is a commercial decision, but it is important for the university to bear in mind that one of its social responsibility statements is to support local communities."
The UWS proposal to close its Hamilton base and re-open it on a motorway business park is one of three options being considered after some of the money the university required for a £53 million re-development on the current town centre site was put on hold by the Scottish Funding Council.
The other options include a smaller redevelopment on the current site or a new building on a technology park on the outskirts of Hamilton.
However, the most controversial move would be a relocation to the Maxim Park site next to the Eurocentral business park 12 miles east of Glasgow on the M8.
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