Edinburgh Napier University has been formally handed the keys to its new Sighthill campus from contractor Balfour Beatty Construction.

The state-of-the-art building, designed by RMJM Architects, will formally open its doors to 5,000 students in January 2011 following the final internal fit-out this Autumn.

The 89 week construction project has seen the new building delivered on schedule and within budget.

The 24,345m2 building is equivalent in size to 3½ football pitches and used 20,000 tonnes of concrete and 3610m2 of glazing.

8,000m3 of demolition material was recycled and incorporated into the new facility.

In addition to Balfour Beatty Construction and RMJM Architects, the design team involved Cyril Sweett (cost consultant) and Buro Happold (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing and Specialist Consulting Engineers).

The University’s Professional Services and Academic staff will move in during Autumn 2010, with students following in January 2011.

During the Autumn, in preparation for formal opening in January 2011, the building will undergo its internal fit-out including the installation of specialist lab and sports equipment, library and computer facilities and furniture. Some post-contract building works will be necessary, including the creation of some car parking spaces.

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Once open, the Sighthill campus will bring together, for the first time, all 4,500 students from the University’s Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences, who were previously dispersed across different sites.

The following top-class facilities will be available: Three modern lecture theatres, the largest holding 350 people; 22 classrooms, 25 specialised teaching rooms, clinical skills laboratories, six project rooms and five research rooms; Five storey Learning Resource Centre (library and IT facilities) with a double height space on the top floor, enjoying spectacular views to the east of Edinburgh; and a modern four-storey atrium with cafe.

The new campus will also contain a brand new sports facility with a sports hall designed to be used for a variety of ball and team sports. Within the modern sports building, the Faculty has biomechanics laboratory spaces as well as labs for other Sports Science related courses which can be used for specific project work.

The Sighthill campus will also be a beacon of sustainability, with low carbon emissions and effective overall energy performance a key part of the design.

Dame Professor Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University said: "It is vital that we keep investing in education facilities to ensure that students go out into the workplace with the skills that the modern business environment demands. The new campus will be a landmark building fit for 21st century learning, which will enhance the students and staff experience and ultimately benefit the whole community.

"I’m greatly looking forward to seeing the first students enjoying the facilities this coming January, once we have finished the final fit-out. It is thrilling to see such a spectacular building complete and be delivered on time and on budget."

Balfour Beatty Construction Scottish & Southern Managing Director, Bob Clark commented: ‘We are delighted to have handed over a first class teaching facility that will further enhance Edinburgh Napier University’s vision to be one of the leading universities in the UK.’

Paul Rodgers, RMJM’s Principal for Europe, added: "We have created a knowledge hub that brings together visionary learning spaces and state-of-the-art technology in an iconic structure that reconnects the Sighthill campus with the city and will further strengthen Edinburgh Napier University’s already impressive reputation.

"RMJM has an impressive educational portfolio and the Edinburgh Napier campus will extend our historical legacy into 21st century facilities that embrace new approaches to teaching."

(GK/KMcA)