History

After eight years, the College of Building and the College of Printing joined in 1972 to form the Glasgow College of Building and Printing. When they finally tied the knot, the new college had 13 floors specialising in areas including design, furniture and creative crafts; building, printing and photography. Many courses were exclusive to the college and students enjoyed impressive on-site facilities. The college also led the way in printing and publishing, coping with rapid advances in technology to become Scotland’s only dedicated print training centre.

Throughout the 1970’s, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies diversified beyond its initial marine specialism and enjoyed extensive expansion. A General Studies department was added in 1972, the Power Plant Practice Department of Springburn College of Engineering was transferred in 1973, and construction of a Halls of Residence followed in 1974.

Central College of Commerce and Distribution condensed its title to Central College of Commerce in 1972 while remaining committed to building and developing an extensive portfolio of courses including business studies, information technology, hair and beauty, legal studies and accountancy.

The Glasgow College of Food Technology opened its doors in 1973. As the last of the city centre colleges to be built by the Corporation of Glasgow, it filled a void for training in the catering and food manufacturing industries. The Food Trades department of Langside College formed the core of the new college and some of the first courses it offered were hotel management, catering, food science, baking, English and general studies. The college enjoyed a boom period as Scotland’s tourism industry began to take off. Restaurants from the Merchant City to the West End began to spring up requiring highly trained chefs. The college marked itself as a centre of excellence for the extensive training required in the food industry; however the portfolio also grew to include other popular courses including hospitality, business, tourism, events and sports.

Inspired by the big, bold and bright trends of the eighties, hair and beauty students at Central College of Commerce got busy recreating the looks of icons Debbie Harry and Cindy Lauper. Teased, permed and mullet hair do’s were complemented by pastel eye make up and heavy eyeliner! A decade sure to be remembered!

The close of the decade saw Central College of Commerce adopt the former Allan Glen’s Secondary School as a campus. The school, set up in memory of Glasgow businessman Allan Glen, had been a selective fee-paying independent school for boys, but became a comprehensive school in 1973, known as Allan Glen’s Secondary. However falling birth rates, population migration and declining school rolls throughout the city saw it close in 1989. On taking over the site on Cathedral St, Central College of Commerce maintained the historical link and to this day the site is referred to as the Allan Glen’s campus.

In February 1985, the Secretary of State for Scotland announced his decision to centralise the provision of nautical education in Scotland at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. The department of Navigation obtained a real–time, full mission simulator and developed into a comprehensive maritime studies provider, embracing ship and fleet management, port operations and maritime law.

It was initially difficult to convince potential students that a nautical college was really offering courses in management, sport, drama, beauty therapy, child care, computing and more. However the courses flourished and the college experienced a dramatic gender shift from its original all male student, 95% male staff and just one female toilet!

In 1995 a new extension to the Faculty of Engineering was built and in 1998 Brian Wilson, Minister for Education and Industry officially opened the Adelphi Centre – a brand new building housing the faculty of Care and Social Science, as well as providing flexible learning space for the local community.

The College also laid the foundations for international partnerships during 1992, forging strong relations with the Academy of Maritime Education (AMET) based in Chennai, India.
The main campus of Central College of Commerce was renamed in memory of Charles Oakley, a writer and trade unionist who chaired the college’s board.

The photography department at Glasgow College of Building and Printing changed forever with the invention of the digital camera at the end of the 1990’s. However the college remained strong and embraced new technology introducing new facilities including ICT suites, a broadcast standard TV studio and campus radio station.

Central College of Commerce expanded with the opening of the Central Business Learning Zone in 2000. Six years later the college identity was revamped and launched as Central College, Glasgow.

On 4th October 2004, 35 years of nautical education was celebrated with the opening of the brand new £1.8million ‘Gateway’ building at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. The new facility aimed to train extra recruits for the British Merchant Navy while providing greater access to students with disabilities.

“The buildings are prominent landmarks on the city centre skyline and their significance can be justifiably considered alongside a limited international cast, including Gio Ponti’s Pirelli Tower in Milan.” Historic Scotland

In 2002 the towering College of Building and Printing and nearby Central College of Commerce were awarded B-listed status by Historic Scotland, protecting them from future development.

Both buildings were designed by Glasgow firm Wylie, Shanks and Partners. Built in the early sixties, both exhibit unusual roofscapes in which homage is paid to the forms used by Le Corbusier in his design for the Unitè d’Habitation at Marseille (1947 - 52). The bulbous, porthole-pierced mass seated atop of each building were originally used as gymnasiums with the curvaceous, curious form of the structure contrasting sharply with the glass and travertine-faced structure below.

When Glasgow Metropolitan College began life in 2005 it immediately became the largest college in Glasgow, housing over 15,000 students and 500 staff across 5 campuses.
‘The Met’ as it affectionately became known, brought together the College of Building and Printing and the College of Food Technology – two of Scotland’s most successful further education providers. These city centre neighbours had not only carved out reputations in the specialisms their names implied but diversified to offer a broad curriculum from construction, design and media to food, hospitality, sport, tourism and many more.

Each college has welcomed students, both young and old, from all backgrounds and cultures.
We have nurtured talent, inspired confidence and helped with that most special attribute – an education that paves the road to success.

"The merger and formation of this college has been a long time coming, and there have been many ups and downs, and many different views expressed. However, today’s launch marks a historic milestone for City of Glasgow College, the youngest and largest college in Scotland. We are here together to celebrate the unveiling of our new identity, and to share our exciting new vision for the college." Principal and CEO Paul Little

Thank You

The success of our institutions would not have been possible without the continued efforts of both our current and former staff, students, principals, Boards of Management and stakeholders - we thank you all!

In coming together as City of Glasgow College, we have formed a single institution which will enhance the learning environment of the city creating more choice and opportunities. We will be a dynamic, thriving and powerful college committed to excellence. On reflection of our proud histories, we now look forward to creating a new set of memories as City of Glasgow College.