University of Edinburgh, The Scott Hotel

Client: University of Edinburgh

Sector: Higher & Further Education (HEFE)

Project Value: £1.2m

"It was a pleasure to work with Kier on this challenging project for the University of Edinburgh. A great product has been delivered to add to the clients diverse accommodation portfolio and has received very positive feedback from guests and staff."

Gavin Croall

Associate Director Project & Programme Services, AtkinsRéalis

As part of a huge refurbishment of The University of Edinburgh’s historic The Scott Hotel and Richmond Place apartments, AtkinsRéalis rose to the refurbishment challenge which would enhance the user experience and increase revenue for the client.

The project comprised of the internal refurbishment and redecoration of 18 rooms at Mansion House Hotel, now The Scott Hotel which is a striking Grade A listed building and 18 rooms at Richmond Place apartments, both part of the University of Edinburgh's diverse hotel accommodation portfolio.

AtkinsRéalis is one of the largest construction consultancies in Scotland, delivering programme and project management, cost and commercial management, building surveying, health and safety and strategic asset management services.

Create refurbished facilities that enhance the user experience and increase revenue for the client.

Positively contribute to the local community by setting and achieving social value targets.

Develop a project team that all contribute to an open and transparent environment with collaboration at the heart of the project.

Maximise knowledge and lessons learned by retaining the previous design consultants from the feasibility stage.

As the buildings were occupied, the extent of the work required was not fully understood until works commenced on site. The team adopted an agile approach to minimise the impact of these additional works.

Bookings had been taken for 1st July 2022, so the master programme was developed to reflect this as any significant delay would result in loss of income and reputational damage.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, sourcing material was difficult and all orders had a high risk of being delayed, specification revisions were implemented to minimise this risk.

A review of the firestopping throughout Richmond Place Apartments was undertaken as part of the project scope.

The NEC3 Contract Management online platform should be established prior to construction start to ensure that all contract administration is managed via this from the outset.

Material orders must be placed as early as possible to mitigate excessive lead times and reduce delays.

Electrical impacts of the work should be fully interrogated, and an M&E Consultant brought on board to ensure that all appropriate scoping and allowances have been identified.

£9,267

Local skills utilised through the supply chain

£6,178

Local AtkinsRéalis resource utilised

£1,200

Donation to Edinburgh School Uniform Bank