The facility is set to launch operations in 2025. Credit: Canetti via Shutterstock.

The Edinburgh Innovation Hub, a collaborative effort between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University in the UK, has reached a significant construction milestone.

The completion of the hub’s roof and structure was celebrated with a ‘topping out’ ceremony, attended by key stakeholders.

The event on 13 December was graced by representatives from the council, the university, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, and main contractor Heron Brothers.

Spanning 7,200m2, the innovation hub was granted planning permission in September 2023 and broke ground in March 2024. With completion anticipated next year, the facility will offer flexible laboratory, office, and conference spaces tailored to the needs of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The hub is designed to be a nexus for businesses centred on innovation, knowledge exchange, and technology. It aims to create a collaborative environment by bringing together research, industry, and academia.

Tenants will have access to move-in ready space that can be customised to their requirements.

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Marketing efforts to attract potential tenants will ramp up in the new year, ahead of the hub’s expected operational launch in summer 2025.

The project has garnered considerable interest, with numerous expressions of intent from prospective occupants.

Financial backing for the hub includes £28.6m ($36.08m) from the UK Government, £1.4m from the Scottish Government, and £10m from East Lothian Council, under the auspices of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The Edinburgh Innovation Hub is also set to catalyse the development of the broader Edinburgh Innovation Park, adjacent to the Queen Margaret University campus.

The larger development, which received planning approval in principle in March 2019, includes a mix of residential, educational, business, and community facilities.

East Lothian Council leader and councillor Norman Hampshire said: “This is a key moment for this project, which will create a sought-after location for business growth and will attract high value jobs for East Lothian and the surrounding area. The interest shown already by businesses at various stages of set-up and growth, and from important sectors such as food and drink and tech and life sciences, has been fantastic. This Innovation Hub will attract innovative businesses to one of Scotland’s fastest growing areas.”