In the mid-1860s, George Henson had a dilemma. His work as a stonemason at Hereford Cathedral was coming to an end and he needed steady employment. George accepted an offer to help build the new premises of the University of Glasgow at Gilmorehill, joining an array of workers who laboured on the building over a four-year period.

Many of those building Gilmorehill lived in Partick and significant numbers settled permanently. The newcomers contributed to the swift expansion of the burgh of Partick, which swelled from 5,337 residents in 1852, to 17,707 in 1871; over time, many more came from other parts of Scotland, Ireland, Europe and, in due course, Asia. The neighbourhood remained solidly working class through the late 19th and 20th centuries, a home for workers in the shipyards, mills, and other establishments during and after the city’s industrial heyday.

Fast forward 150 years and Partick is still a dense, predominantly working-class district. However, in the present day, we see the character of the area transforming before our eyes - the last five years have seen rapid growth in international student numbers across the city of Glasgow.

Once again, the University of Glasgow has been an important catalyst for change. Glasgow has attracted students from around the world since at least the middle of the 18th century, including religious dissenters and refugees. Today, the university’s global standing attracts students from every continent, but the largest international student group comes from China. As Duo Long, a university staff member explained, the students are often better off than when she first moved from China to Glasgow 20 years ago. While many Chinese students bond with each other in friendship groups, she observes that they are more interested in learning about other cultures than her generation; they also find it easier to mix with students from the UK and other countries.

The majority of Chinese students spend a year in Glasgow (typically undertaking a Masters degree) and then return to China. But some Chinese people have chosen to make their homes in the city. Coming originally from Dalian in north-east China, Tanya Ge studied Finance at two Scottish universities before settling in Glasgow and opening her first shop in 2016; she and her husband now own a number of shops in the city. About 60% of her customers are Chinese students but increasingly others from all backgrounds are shopping in her stores.

In the summer sunshine, it would be tempting to assume that Partick’s bustling Dumbarton Road, farmer’s market, multi-cultural retail offering and al fresco dining opportunities are a pleasing example of racial harmony and successful integration. In reality, change on the scale are more complex and challenging in a city like Glasgow with its history of immigration.

Even in our own times, individuals can experience hostility and prejudice in public places. Significant change in the ethnic complexion of a district requires constant vigilance, close liaison with community leaders and active management by the local authority. For its part, the University of Glasgow is ready to play a role in building a more integrated and cohesive community, both on campus and across the city.

We must do more to bring students from different backgrounds together in social as well as academic settings. Alongside this, as local councillors like Jill Brown (Partick East and Kelvindale) have articulated, we have a duty to demonstrate to the wider community the positive role that students can fulfil, not just as consumers, but through a wide range of volunteering activities.

The university’s economic development and civic strategies address this, but we can achieve much more by working in closer partnership with the local authority, the community council, and other representative bodies. We intend to create a better infrastructure to support current and former students who want to start up their own businesses, keeping the economic activity in the area where possible and thereby benefiting the local economy. The development of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, stretching from Gilmorehill through Partick and across to Govan, gives us an excellent opportunity to do this.

If he came back today, George Henson would still recognise large parts of his old burgh but he might also be surprised by its diversity and vibrancy. With careful thought and collaboration between key agencies, we can make it an even better place to live and work in the future.

David Duncan is Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary at the University of Glasgow.