Robertson completes £8.5m medical research refurb for University of Edinburgh

Since commencement in August 2023, work has included a comprehensive refurbishment of the ground, first and second floors of the five-storey building, made up of three strategic research centres: Cardiovascular Science, Inflammation Research and Reproductive Health, each addressing major health challenges.

The building, part of Edinburgh BioQuarter, remained fully operational throughout the works, continuing to support around 400 researchers as well as housing active study areas, offices, a café and research facilities.

Laboratory spaces were reconfigured to support research group relocations and to introduce new facilities, including an electrophysiology support area and a relocated mass spectrometry unit, with some upgrades designed to meet new Home Office licence requirements.

Works commenced with the internal demolition and strip-out of the building’s east block before a roof replacement and creation of new specialist laboratories and office facilities could begin.

Given the specialised nature of works taking place at a live medical research site, Robertson carefully managed the project using a phased approach to the refurbishment programme in order to best protect both University and construction employees, in addition to ongoing research and long-term clinical experiments.

During the strip-out phase, potential risks included dust, noise, vibration, and possible exposure to chemical and radioactive materials. The team took a proactive approach to managing this process ahead of works commencing, including noise testing and trialling alternative access routes with researchers before works began. Robertson also drew on its extensive expertise working in live healthcare environments to carry out the soft strip-out in-house, often working outside core hours, to ensure minimal disruption.

The project also had a focus on supporting the University’s net zero carbon goals, aligning with its position as the seventh most sustainable university in the world. An energy-efficient, low-carbon system for ventilation and fume extraction was installed, while all lighting was upgraded to low-energy LEDs.

Damien Toner, director of estates, The University of Edinburgh, said: “The ongoing refurbishment of this important site will ensure that its world-class teaching and research facilities remain a state-of-the-art home for our students and staff, and in line with new national licence requirements.

“The extensive experience of Robertson ensured a high level of expertise and care throughout the process, while a focus on sustainability reflects the University’s own longstanding commitments.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Robertson and look forward to the completion of final upgrades at QMRI next year.”

David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Central East, added: “We have been a trusted delivery partner to the University of Edinburgh for a decade, and it was essential for us to deliver this project to the highest standards while maintaining the integrity of the research environment.

“From pre-construction planning to phased delivery, every decision was made to protect the vital work taking place within the building. This is a truly impactful, high-quality project, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the University through further projects that are underway.”

The QMRI project is the 15th contract that Robertson has delivered for the University, procured via the CCS Construction Works and Associated Services Framework. Further office upgrades continue at the QMRI, while Robertson also delivers upgrades to the Clinical Research Imaging Centre, located within the same building.

Other recent University projects by Robertson include the completion of structural improvement and maintenance works at the Rutherford Building, Hunter Building and Appleton Tower.