Kier Construction Scotland has been appointed by the University of Edinburgh to undertake refurbishment work on the College of Art.
The £14m contract will see work carried out over two phases so one half of the building always remains in operation, ensuring the College can continue to deliver its curriculum during the refurbishment works.
Phase one activity is expected to take place from this month to September 2017, with the second phase scheduled to take place thereafter.
This activity will improve and perform essential maintenance on the building’s fabric and internal systems bringing a major new space in the west side of the main building into use. This updated space will be equipped with the very latest in audio and visual facilities, improving the working and learning environment for students and staff.
The announcement follows similar activity by Kier including the completion last August of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture for Robert Gordon University and the recent shortlisting for the restoration of the Mackintosh Building for the Glasgow School of Art, illustrating the caliber of projects Kier undertakes.
Brian McQuade, managing director of the Scotland and north-east England arm of Kier’s Construction division, said: “Kier has a made a solid start to 2016 and we are pleased to announce such a significant contract win in a sector in which we continue to make inroads.
“Activity will see a number of repairs and renovation work undertaken, alongside a number of new improvements and alterations. Kier has strong project management experience and a track record of putting together teams of subcontractors that allows us to tackle large projects on this scale, and we look forward to starting work on-site from June. Our successes on similar jobs, flexibility and ability to form long term relationships, undoubtedly helped in the contract win.”
Over the coming years, activity will be concentrated between the Lauriston Place campus and George Square area. Gathering the College on two sites will allow a more cohesive community and allow room for growth and expansion of the College beyond its historical areas of practice and expertise. The main College of Art building, which acts as the central hub of the Lauriston Place campus, is a 12,000m2 red sandstone site built over 3 principal floors. The College of Art is Grade A Listed.
