Our estate

A key focus has been aligning resources with our highest priorities. A thorough review of operations revealed opportunities to reduce non-essential maintenance and cleaning services. Together with a recruitment freeze and a voluntary severance scheme, this has allowed us to streamline service delivery without compromising essential support. Although the estate has grown by 10 per cent over the past five years, maintenance staffing levels have remained constant. We are now advancing a priority project to develop tools and gather data that will improve our understanding of current and future estate needs. This initiative aims to optimise space utilisation and continue driving efficiency across estate management.

In parallel, 2024/25 saw significant progress in sustainability. The University’s Energy Masterplan neared completion, setting a framework to guide long-term investment in low-carbon and resilient infrastructure. This work supports our ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. A multi-year programme of energy efficiency projects also advanced, with campus upgrades including improved lighting, insulation, ventilation, heating controls, solar PV, and waste heat recovery.

Major capital developments continue to reshape our estate. The Edinburgh Futures Institute was completed and opened ahead of the 2024 academic year following a complex redevelopment of the old Royal Infirmary. The building now hosts the Edinburgh International Book Festival, establishing a successful cultural partnership. The new Usher Institute, a flagship City Region Deal investment, was also completed and is supporting critical research in Population Health Sciences.

In response to ongoing financial pressures, earlier this year we took the precaution of pausing several fully approved capital projects that had not yet reached contractual close. This allows us to focus on achieving operational financial savings, providing greater confidence to proceed with these projects in the coming year.

In student accommodation, phase one of the Tynecastle development opened in time for the 2025/26 academic year. Refurbishment of the historic Teviot Row House is also nearing completion, delivering new social and study spaces while conserving a cherished student landmark.

Other developments include the fresh redesign of the old reception changing rooms at the Pleasance gym to new surfaces on Peffermill’s hockey and MUGA pitches, we continue to invest in experiences that matter. The Easter Bush Gym has been fully revitalised, while Peffermill welcomed CrossFit 1583, a first in higher education, and upgraded five-a-side pitches. At Strathclyde Park a much-needed boat store now supports our growing water sports community.

Looking ahead, progress continues on several key projects, including the new Engineering building (completion due early 2026), the phased redevelopment of Edinburgh College of Art, and ongoing improvements at the Queen’s Medical Research Institute.