Feedback from students has informed plans for an ambitious new hub that houses a range of support services.

Artist's impression of the new Student Centre

Amended architectural designs for the new Student Centre have been submitted to the city council’s planning department following public and student consultations in June and November 2017.

Dedicated hub

Teviot Row House, the oldest purpose built students’ union in the world, will be completely refurbished and made fully accessible.

The building will retain its unique character while improving and expanding the range of services offered.

It will be linked to a new student services building on George Square, forming a dedicated hub that brings together student services from the University and the Students’ Association side by side for the first time.

Student input

Based on feedback from the first consultation, significant changes were made to the original proposals. Teviot Row House garden will now be preserved and additional facilities will be created along Charles Street Lane.

These changes were well received at the second consultation and have been incorporated into the designs put forward for planning permission.

We are so excited for this project to fully begin. Students were vital in informing how the city campus should function, and how students want to access both study and support places. Bringing together the academic, support and social aspects of a student’s life will ensure that there is a real community hub for students based here. The Student Centre will be truly unique to Edinburgh, once again cementing the innovation of the students here. Eleri Connick President, Edinburgh University Students’ Association

Wider investments

The new Student Centre is part of a series of improvements being made to enhance the Edinburgh experience.

The University is investing £8m to develop a Wellbeing Centre at 7 Bristo Square, a new hub dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing. The fully accessible building will give students easy access to an expanded range of essential support provided by the Student Counselling and Disability Services.

Major investments are being made across the campus to improve library and study facilities and increase teaching spaces. There are also plans to improve sporting facilities, enhance spaces for student societies and develop award-winning student accommodation.

The new Student Centre will be a landmark building at the heart of the city centre campus. By bringing together student services from across the University, it will make accessing support, advice and guidance more straightforward than ever before. Gavin Douglas Deputy Secretary Student Experience

Related links

Edinburgh University Students’ Association