McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the construction of the Usher Building, a major addition to the rapidly expanding health innovation district of Edinburgh BioQuarter in Scotland’s capital city. The world-class research, workplace and post-graduate teaching hub, designed by internation design studio Hassell, will accelerate collaboration and innovation within population health sciences, serving both the Usher Institute’s academic research centres through state-of-the-art facilities, and strengthening collaboration with its public, private and third sector partners.
Works included the construction on of a 11,000m2, four-storey building which will accelerate new public, private and third-sector partnerships to discover, develop and deploy data-driven solutions to address today’s most pressing health and social care issues.
The building 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 for teaching and conferences, as well as meeting and interview rooms. Users will have access to operable panels for access to fresh air within the perimeter of the open workplace zones. Additional amenity spaces throughout the building, including double-height wintergardens and a ground floor café.
A series of interconnected open and enclosed public spaces on the building’s ground floor supports the building’s outward focus to welcome in the public and foster community relationships, working with local schools and businesses to showcase the driving forces behind health and social care.
Funded as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, with additional generous 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. The institute works with people, populations, and data to innovate in health and social care.
With mental and physical wellbeing central to the design, healthy workplace choices are prominent throughout the building. From open staircases encouraging active movement to double-height recreational spaces designed to bring in outdoor greenery, the design recognises the changing needs of professionals and supports post-pandemic agile ways of working.
The Usher Building brings additional benefits to the local community, acting as a dedicated open space for connections, offering support and inspiration for STEM in the region, and contributing to life-long learning and employment at the university.
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. Creating employment and learning opportunities, the project supported 78 apprentices for a duration of 2,403 weeks.
The development of the state-of-the-art research and teaching building began in 2018, and the construction of the project was completed in 2024.
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.
Steve Irvine
Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey
It has been great to see McLaughlin & Harvey deliver another amazing project for 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 their delivering the requirements of the SCAPE Framework”
Gary Meechan
Head of Framework at SCAPE Scotland
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.
Will Hartzog
Senior Associate at Hassell
