Sharkey takes modern approach at ancient seat of learning

Procured through Public Contracts Scotland and one of Sharkey’s largest ever public sector contracts at £7.4 million, the project was over 3 phases and involved the full refurbishment of all 349 study bedrooms, 25 communal pantries and a complete upgrade of all key M&E infrastructure.

Working closely with the campus management team to ensure minimal disruption at the university’s principal residential campus, Pollock Halls, was essential with over 1,900 students and staff in residence while works were underway.

With a large number of pedestrians and vehicles in the vicinity in what is a main arterial route into the centre of Edinburgh, Sharkey’s project delivery team met a number of key challenges.  These included the requirement to keep a micro-lab and function suite operational throughout the life of the project and the need to accommodate key university dates including around student exams.  It was crucial that the university was still able to generate income from the estate during the works, including at the time of Edinburgh Festivals and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Running alongside the Holland House project, Sharkey was engaged to modernise the adjoining Masson House into a quality hotel for operator Edinburgh First, the commercial arm of the University of Edinburgh’s accommodation division.  The £1.9 million project saw the conversion of a dated 3 star hotel, increasing the floor space of each room by 50 per cent in order to maximise revenue.