CALA has passed a milestone in its controversial £100m plan to build more than 400 homes on Strathclyde University’s former Jordanhill Campus after completing the purchase of the site.

The housebuilder said work including building demolition would begin on the campus immediately. It expects to complete the first apartments by the beginning of 2020.

“In order to protect the public, there will be no access to any part of the former campus,” said the company in a media statement.

“Alternative access to the existing playing fields adjacent to the site will be established.”

The managing director of the Cala Homes (West) division, Jim McIntyre said the Jordanhill Park development would provide Glasgow with much needed homes. These would suit a range of buyers including young professionals, growing families and downsizers.

Cala reckons its plan will build on the legacy of the site, which was home to teacher training facilities from 1913 to 2012.

The plan will involve refurbishing the university’s Category B-listed David Stow building as luxury flats.

The proposal has faced deep opposition in the local area.

In February campaigners failed in a bid to get the Court of Session to overturn a planning decision made by Glasgow City Council in January 2017. It gave permission for 412 homes to be built on the site.

About 900 residents made written complaints about the loss of green space and the chopping down of trees on the site.

Cala said yesterday the development would protect and enhance greenspace within the site and ensure the existing playing fields remain available to the local community.