MCLAUGHLIN & Harvey has completed the construction of the Usher Building, a major addition to the health innovation district of Edinburgh BioQuarter.
The research, workplace and post-graduate teaching hub, designed by Hassell, aims to accelerate collaboration and innovation within population health sciences, serving both the Usher Institute’s academic research centres, and strengthening collaboration with its partners.
Works included the construction of a four-storey building, which will bring together over 900 students, researchers, providers, and industry partners to join a growing health innovation ecosystem. The ground-floor event hall has a capacity of 170 people, that can be used for conferences, teaching and community engagement.
The facility also features an 80-person learning studio, flexible event space, as well as meeting and interview rooms. Amenity spaces throughout the building include double-height wintergardens and a ground floor café.
Funded as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, with additional support from the Wolfson Foundation, the Usher Building is home to the Usher Institute – one of six innovation hubs that bring together researchers and industry to delve into some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
With mental and physical wellbeing central to the design, healthy workplace choices are described as ‘prominent’ throughout the building – from open staircases encouraging active movement to double-height recreational spaces designed to bring in outdoor greenery.
Delivered via the Scape Scotland framework, 40% of local labour was procured within 20 miles and 56% of all project spend was within 20 miles of the site.
Through McLaughlin & Harvey’s YouMatter Communities Fund, 41 organisations received donations totalling £14,611. The project supported 78 apprentices for a duration of 2,403 weeks.
Steve Irvine, operations director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said, “Continuing our relationship with The University of Edinburgh, through the SCAPE Scotland framework, we are delighted to have successfully delivered the Usher Building, a world-class centre for health and social care research. The contribution of our project team extended beyond the design and build to optimise the utilisation of local labour and support community organisations throughout project delivery. Collaboration with the client and our supply chain has resulted in this excellent addition to the Edinburgh BioQuarter.”
Gary Meechan, head of framework at SCAPE Scotland, added, “It has been great to see McLaughlin & Harvey deliver another amazing project for The University of Edinburgh after the success of the Nucleus building. The project team have delivered a quality construction project and exceptional social impact results for the people of the local communities. Demonstrating their commitment to both client requirements and the delivery requirements of the SCAPE Framework.”
Will Hartzog, senior associate at Hassell, stated, “The Usher Building provides welcoming spaces where wellbeing takes centre stage — both for the mind and body. It came to life through the efforts of a team that didn’t just design a space but crafted an experience. Working closely with experts from diverse fields, including the invaluable insights of the Usher Institute staff, we’ve created something that truly serves its people. Every corner, from informal gathering spots to dedicated meeting rooms, invites connection and sparks collaboration. It’s a space that breaks down the usual barriers, giving way to a research community that feels more connected, engaged, and accessible to all.”
