News

AtkinsRéalis supports major milestone on UK supercomputer facility at the University of Edinburgh

Uo E Supercomputer Facility construction

Fri, 31st Jul, 2026

The UK's next National Supercomputer Facility has reached a significant milestone, with construction now underway at the University of Edinburgh.

Through the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework, AtkinsRéalis is supporting the delivery of this nationally significant project.

Supporting a nationally significant investment

Enabling works commenced in January 2026, with the project now progressing into a major construction phase.

When complete, the facility will expand the UK’s National Supercomputing Centre at the University whilst supporting research and innovation from across the UK.

The facility is backed by up to £750m of UK Government investment and has been designed to strengthen the UK's position as a global leader in advanced computing, research and innovation. The supercomputer will be owned by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

A compliant route via the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework

The SCAPE Scotland Consultancy Framework provided University of Edinburgh with a direct and compliant route to appoint their consultancy partner of choice.

Appointed through the framework, AtkinsRéalis is providing a multidisciplinary consultancy service on the project, supporting the University through design development and construction delivery. The project team includes Project Management, Principal Designer, NEC Supervisor and Technical Advisor services, ensuring the client continues to receive independent expert advice throughout the construction phase.

Adapting our role to meet the University's needs

As the project has evolved, AtkinsRéalis has adapted its service offering to meet the University's changing requirements. Following contractor appointment, the team transitioned from leading and managing multidisciplinary design services into an NEC contract management and client-side technical advisor role, continuing to provide independent oversight and specialist expertise throughout delivery.

This flexible approach has allowed AtkinsRéalis to continue supporting the University at every stage of the project's development while maintaining continuity of knowledge and technical expertise.

Looking ahead

With construction now underway and key milestones approaching, the project continues to move closer to delivering a nationally important piece of research infrastructure that will support scientific discovery, technological innovation and economic growth for decades to come.

"Reaching construction stage is an exciting milestone for a project of national significance. This facility will play an important role in strengthening the UK's advanced computing capability while supporting world-leading research and innovation from across the UK. Through the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework, AtkinsRéalis has been able to provide a flexible and collaborative service that has evolved alongside the University's needs. As the project progresses from foundations to the next major construction milestones, we are proud to continue supporting the client as a trusted technical advisor and delivery partner."

Graham Thompson

AtkinsRéalis Project Lead

“Through our framework, the University of Edinburgh benefited from early engagement with AtkinsRéalis, ensuring that the scope of services was fully aligned with both client objectives and project requirements from the outset. Our framework approach promotes collaboration, flexibility, and strategic partnership at every stage, which has been key to the project's success so far. When complete, the facility will host the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, making a real difference in research and innovation from healthcare to climate change. This is a landmark project and one we are immensely proud to be a part of.”

Rachel Park

Framework Manager at SCAPE Scotland