The University of Edinburgh has submitted a Pre-Application Notice as part of its ‘New Darwin’ project, which plans to replace the existing tower with a new bioscience hub for the School of Biological Sciences.
According to the university, the building would house “cutting-edge” research laboratories and “state-of-the-art” postgraduate teaching laboratories alongside spaces for collaboration, public engagement, and learning.
First announced in 2015, the multi-phase ‘New Darwin’ project aims to improve the School of Biological Sciences’ capacity by constructing several new buildings and updating existing spaces within the King’s Building Campus.
Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led ‘New Darwin’ to be redeveloped to fit within a more limited budget.
External funding will supplement university funding for the project.
‘New Darwin’ is part of a £200 million transformation to the King’s Buildings that also includes the Nucleus Building, which opened in 2022, and a new Engineering building scheduled to open in 2026.
Upon attaining a building warrant, demolition of the existing tower is scheduled to begin this September and aims to be completed by next summer.
A consultation process has begun, and information sessions will be held at the Elm Lecture Theatre on 27 March and 8 May.
“King’s Buildings Nucleus steel framework, Edinburgh (50598475737)” by Magnus Hagdorn from UK is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.