Work begins on new Wellbeing Centre
Due for completion at the end of 2019, the project at 7 Bristo Square will involve extensive refurbishment of the existing building and a ground-level extension.
The refurbishment will take place across the first three of five floors covering 3,177m2 of the 1970s building with the top floors to remain functioning GP rooms.
The pharmacy on the first floor will also continue to operate as renovation works are undertaken before it is relocated to the ground floor.
The extension to the ground floor of the building will provide an accessible entrance from Bistro Square.
Once delivered the facility will be a health and wellbeing hub for students housing a Counselling and Disability Service, University Medical Centre and the University Pharmacy.
The facility will offer 36 one-to-one consultation rooms, a lounge and an accessible internal arcade to benefit the students of the University of Edinburgh.
Kai O’Doherty, Vice President (Welfare), Edinburgh University Students’ Association said: “We welcome the investment into a new Wellbeing Centre which will expand and improve the space available for the Student Counselling and Disability Services. It is crucial that students are able to access support while at university and we are excited to see this project going ahead, showing this is a clear priority.”
Continued support
The Student Counselling and Disability Services will continue to operate out of the Main Library during construction.
The medical practice and pharmacy at 7 Bristo Square will remain open during the works.
The development will also allow the pharmacy to improve the range of goods and services on offer.
Learning spaces
Once complete, the centre will free up space in the Main Library for around 100 new study places.
Teaching rooms at 7 Bristo Square closed in summer 2018. New spaces are available at the Lister Learning and Teaching Centre and High School Yards which opened in September 2018.
Student facilities
The Wellbeing Centre is part of a £200 million investment being made over the next eight years to dramatically improve facilities for students.
The developments will enhance the Edinburgh experience by delivering an extensive range of benefits.
These include expanded and improved teaching and study spaces, a major new Student Centre and enhanced sports facilities.
December 2018