Scotland

Groundbreaking new development at Heriot-Watt University

student village- Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus

A new £12 million student village has opened at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.

The project is part of a wider £26 million development programme that has created new residences at the University’s Galashiels Campus. Main contractor for the Edinburgh phase was Morgan Sindall, whilst the main contractor for the Galashiels phase is Miller Construction and the architect is RMJM Limited.

As a further expansion of the West Student Village, the Edinburgh project has created 277 bed spaces. Designed as a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional ‘university quad’ courtyard plan, the buildings surround an outdoor social space that is intended to serve as an extension of the indoor living area. The residences have achieved a rating of BREEAM ‘Excellent.’

Following on from the success of the recently completed redevelopment of academic facilities at the Scottish Borders Campus, the Galashiels project will create 218 bed spaces.

Both the Edinburgh and Galashiels residences incorporate single en-suite bedrooms, kitchens, lounges and ancillary facilities. Some of these rooms are arranged in five-bedroom cluster flats.

Heriot-Watt University Principal, Professor Steve Chapman, said:

“These new residences, the latest phase of the University’s dynamic programme of investment to upgrade its estate, are a major improvement to student residences provision. They replace facilities which are reaching the end of their useful lifespan with modern, attractive and welcoming accommodation with generous space and of a standard which will be at the leading edge of market expectations.

“The residence design was developed by a design team experienced in this sector but has also evolved in consultation with staff who will operate and maintain them and, crucially, with students.

“We are all delighted that the project has reached this important milestone, on time and within budget.”

student village- Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus

With work now complete on the Edinburgh campus construction continues to progress with the remainder of the project.

Miller Construction Scottish Operations Director, Liam Hanlon, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Heriot-Watt University. Miller Construction has a reputation for the delivery of first-class student residencies and I am confident that this new accommodation will further enhance the University’s offer for learners, and contribute to the overall experience of those who choose to stay and study at the Galashiels campus.”

Established in 1821, Heriot-Watt University is regarded as one of the UK’s top universities for business and industry. The university delivers degree programmes to approximately 11,800 students in 150 countries and has campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney and Dubai.

For more information on Heriot-Watt University, please visit: www.hw.ac.uk.

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