Milestone for University as work begins on multi-million pound project

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A major milestone for Heriot-Watt University was reached today - when work got underway on the new state-of-the-art Discovery and Innovation Centre.

The flagship £19m building in Edinburgh is set to benefit students, staff, industry and the wider community.

With a new learning and teaching space for mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and computer science faculties – the development is set to inspire the next generation of digital innovators.

And the new 57,000 square foot development will also become the focal point for the university's new entrepreneurship programme.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “This ambitious project clearly demonstrates the university's commitment to delivering the very best learning, teaching and creative research environments for all our students.

“It also helps Heriot-Watt further demonstrate its position at the forefront of enterprise development – helping our staff, students and industry partners create ground-breaking technologies and solutions using digital tools.

“Throughout the planning works we have been working closely with students, academic colleagues and consultants to understand what will be the best use of the space, and this impressive new building will provide a flexible, innovative and comfortable environment, fit for our forward-looking and ambitious University.”

Mike Leaf the Project leader for Bowmer & Kirkland, the main contractor on the project said: “We are delighted to be working with Herriot-Watt University again on this prestigious project following the success of the Oriam Project. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our product and look forward to information sharing throughout the construction process with a view to actively encouraging new students into the industry.”

James Dick, partner at Sheppard Robson said: “The design has been carefully composed to encourage collaboration between students and staff, embrace new ways of learning that will have a direct impact on students' ability to put theories into practice.

“The back drop to the exchange of ideas will be the campus' green spaces, with the building making the most of this setting.”

Work on the new centre is expected to be complete by early 2019.