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Robertson Construction Central East continues its long-standing partnership with The University of Edinburgh by delivering a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Queen's Medical Research Institute (QMRI), located within the Edinburgh BioQuarter.
The work, which commenced in August 2023, covered the ground, first, and second floors, home to three strategic research centres focused on major health challenges: Cardiovascular Science, Inflammation Research, and Reproductive Health.
The project was complex as the five-storey building remained fully operational throughout the works, continuing to support approximately 400 researchers and housing active labs, offices, and a café.
Key aspects of the refurbishment included:
Laboratory Upgrades: Reconfiguring lab spaces to facilitate research group relocations, introduce new facilities (such as an electrophysiology support area and a relocated mass spectrometry unit), and meet new Home Office licence requirements.
Phased Approach: Robertson managed the project using a phased programme, often conducting internal demolition and soft strip-out outside core hours, to minimise disruption from noise, dust, and vibration, and to protect ongoing long-term clinical experiments. The company drew on its expertise in live healthcare environments to manage potential risks from chemical and radioactive materials.
Sustainability: The project supported the University's net zero carbon goals by installing an energy-efficient, low-carbon system for ventilation and fume extraction, alongside upgrading all lighting to low-energy LEDs.
Damien Toner, Director of Estates at the University, praised Robertson's extensive experience, which ensured "a high level of expertise and care throughout the process".
David Cairns, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction Central East, emphasised that every decision was made to protect the vital research taking place within the building.
The QMRI refurbishment is the 15th contract Robertson has delivered for the University via the CCS Construction Works and Associated Services Framework. Further office upgrades and work on the Clinical Research Imaging Centre are currently underway at the site.
