December 2 2008

Work on a £58 million animal biosciences building has started on-site at Easter Bush near Penicuik following formal approval of planning permission by Midlothian Council.

The building is inspired by the shape of a pair of chromosomes, with coloured panels representing the DNA ‘fins’ which link the office and research laboratory blocks together.

The building, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, will accommodate around 500 scientists from The Roslin Institute and the Scottish Agriculture College, incorporating expertise in areas such as genetics, developmental biology, immunology and infectious disease, neuroscience and behaviour and animal sciences.

Acting as a focal point for the Easter Bush Research Consortium, the science block will bring together scientists from The Roslin Institute, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Moredun Research Institute, with a view to fostering new ideas and streamlining research on animal diseases and its implications for human health.”

The new building, which is due for completion in 2011, forms part of the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush redevelopment project and will be based opposite a new vet school teaching building and the Hospital for Small Animals.

The design of The Roslin Institute building has been warmly welcomed by Architecture Design Scotland (ADS), an organisation set up to inspire better quality of building design. Marc Edmondson of the building’s architects CUH2A commented: “We are aiming to create a landmark building worthy of the world-wide reputation of The Roslin Institute and are delighted that it has already received such positive recognition.”

As well as laboratories and office space, the building incorporates breakout areas and meeting areas to encourage collaboration on scientific research.

Planning permission was granted following an application coordinated and lodged by Ryden on behalf of Roslin Developments Ltd, which is commissioning the building construction. David Tough, Planning Partner at Ryden stated: "We’ve been involved in developments at Easter Bush for many years and this is an exciting building to work on. This is a truly significant development for Midlothian. The quality of its design was recognised by Midlothian Council who worked with us to ensure the application was processed in good time".

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