Pears Foundation deepens its commitment to Byres Community Hub
Published: 21 January 2026
We are delighted to share that the Pears Foundation has made a new award that will further strengthen our partnership and establish the Clarice Pears Community Fund.
This latest commitment reflects the Foundation’s continued belief in the mission and potential of the Hub. Their earlier support enabled the creation of the Clarice Pears Building – home to the School of Health & Wellbeing and the Hub since February 2023 – and laid the foundations, both literally and figuratively, for the space we know today.
Over the past year, the Hub has welcomed more than 13,000 members of the public, hosted over 900 meetings, delivered 100 public engagement events, and curated 17 temporary exhibitions. It has become a vibrant and inclusive environment where the University and local communities connect, collaborate and thrive.
The new funding will allow us to build on this momentum by:
- Enhancing the welcome and accessibility of the Hub, including more evening and weekend opportunities
- Supporting meaningful, inclusive gatherings rooted in hospitality and shared purpose
- Refreshing exhibitions to ensure continued relevance and impact
- Expanding volunteer engagement and recognition
Susan Grant, Community Engagement Lead, said:
“Our sincere thanks to the Pears Foundation for this generous award that means so much to everyone connected to Byres Hub. I am really proud of everything the Hub has achieved to date and excited about our future plans. This support will allow us to scale our work, enhance our offer, and further embed the University in our local community.”
Amy Braier, Director, Pears Foundation, said:
“The Pears Foundation takes continued joy in the role that the Clarice Pears Building plays in connecting the University to the local community in Glasgow. We have been both proud and delighted to see the Byres Hub become a place of connection, warmth and support for so many groups and individuals. We hope this new fund will enable the Hub to grow its work and reach even more people.”
The establishment of the Clarice Pears Community Fund marks an important milestone in the Hub’s journey, helping us to do more for more people – locally and beyond.
First published: 21 January 2026
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