QMRI

Project Manager: Julia Ng

Architect: Reiach and Hall Architects

Cost Consultant: Thomson Bethune

M&E Engineer: AECOM

Civil & Structural Engineer: AECOM

Principal Designer: AECOM

Main Contractor: Robertson Construction Central East

Total Project Cost: £8.5M (QMRI refurbishment project) + £6.9M (QMRI collaboration project)

Dates: : July 2023 – May 2025 (QMRI refurbishment project). April 2025 – March 2026 (QMRI collaboration project).

The five-storey research institute has been refurbished to its ground, first and second floors in order to create new upgraded research spaces to meet Home Office licence requirements and to accommodate relocating research groups.

The works include creation of a state-of-the-art electrophysiology research support space, relocation of the existing mass spectrometry facility, and improvements to the laboratories. Collaborative working and meeting areas have been provided, which will support the BioQuarter’s transformation into Edinburgh’s Health Innovation District. 

QMRI has also benefitted from finishes to the interior alongside building services involving goods lift, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations.

Works are being carried out in a live environment with the building’s café, laboratories, teaching spaces, and offices still in use.

The QMRI refurbishment project is complete and was handed back to Estates in May 2025. This represents a significant milestone in the construction works associated with the new Institute of Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research (INCR).  

Works commenced on the next construction project at QMRI for the INCR, called QMRI collaboration, in April 2025. Phase 1 handed over to Estates in January 2026, with phase 2 due for completion at the end of March 2026. The incoming groups are due to move in following a period of UoE fit-out works across summer 2026.