A LEADING Scottish university has been given planning permission to build an ambitious £89 million research and technology centre.

The planning committee of Glasgow City Council has approved the project by Strathclyde University to build a new centre to create jobs and attract investment.

The Technology and Innovation Centre, set to open in 2014, will bring together academics and businesses to address issues such as economic regeneration and technological challenges.

Professor Jim McDonald, principal of Strathclyde University, said: "This marks an important milestone in a development that will reinforce our position as a leading international technological university, attract major inward investment to the city, create jobs and help businesses compete on the world stage.

"This will also enhance the educational experience and opportunities for our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

"The university is dedicated to sharing knowledge and finding solutions to challenges that matter in areas of economic and societal importance – including health, energy, manufacturing and the economy."

The contract to build the landmark building on George Street, in the Merchant City, which covers 25,000 sq m, has now gone out to tender.

The building will house up to 1200 researchers from the university and its partners in both the public and private sectors.