The Usher Building, a new addition in the rapidly expanding health innovation district of Edinburgh BioQuarter, has been officially opened following the successful completion of construction works by Northern Ireland-headquartered McLaughlin & Harvey.

The state-of-the-art University of Edinburgh facility was opened by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The 11,000m², four-storey building will serve as a hub for the Usher Institute's academic research centres, providing advanced facilities designed to accelerate collaboration and innovation within population health sciences. It will also strengthen partnerships with its public, private, and third-sector collaborators.

Designed by architects Hassell, with key engineering contributions from KJ Tait and Woolgar Hunter, the construction process was managed by McLaughlin & Harvey. The Usher Building recently received high commendation at the European Healthcare Design Awards. A notable feature of the construction is its energy strategy: it is the first new University building to rely solely on air-source heat pumps, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas heating.

Steve Irvine, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, highlighted the construction team's contributions: "Following our successful delivery of the Usher Building, a world-class centre for health and social care research, it is great to be here today at its official opening and see the building in use and functioning. The contribution of our project team extended beyond the design and build to optimise the utilisation of local labour and support community organisations throughout project delivery. Members from each of our core disciplines are present today and are being recognised for their contributions to this state-of-the-art building."

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The University of Edinburgh received £49.2 million in capital funding for the design and construction of the building through the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal. This funding package included £48.5 million from the UK Government and £0.7 million from the Scottish Government.

Special guests at the opening ceremony included the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, and Maree Todd MSP, Junior Minister for Health, alongside prominent university academics and leaders.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, noted the building's impact: "The opening of the Usher Building is a major step forward for the University of Edinburgh – and wider society – in reimagining how we improve health and social care. By bringing together researchers, clinicians and industry experts, we have created a dynamic hub that will drive innovation for the benefit of all. It is inspiring to shine a light on the outstanding work underway here and, together with the United Nations and many other key partners, we remain committed to advancing these critical efforts to improve lives."

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, acknowledged the government backing: "It was an honour to attend the opening of this fantastic state-of-the-art facility alongside so many eminent guests from the health and social care sectors. Backed by £48.5 million of UK Government funding, the Usher Institute provides an inspiring environment where academics, healthcare professionals and industry partners can collaborate on pioneering research and development to tackle challenges faced by our communities and improve well-being. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal."

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drugs & Alcohol Policy and Sport, also commented: "The opening of the University of Edinburgh's new Usher Building marks a significant step forward in health innovation. The innovations by the Usher Institute will help renew the NHS in Scotland and, as a WHO Collaborating Centre, transform healthcare around the globe. This development will drive growth across the region, which is why the Scottish Government is proud to support it through our Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal investment."