McEwan Hall
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Location: Edinburgh
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Sector: Heritage, Education
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Division: Regional Building
Tilbury Douglas was appointed to transform the historic McEwan Hall an iconic Category A listed building, originally constructed in 1897. Delivered over two years for the University of Edinburgh, the project carefully balanced heritage restoration with modern functionality.
The University’s vision was to return the building to its former grandeur while creating a flexible, multi-purpose venue accessible to all. Our work enhanced access across all levels and introduced a striking new public entrance from the newly redeveloped Bristo Square strengthening the Hall’s connection to the wider community.
Combining expert craftsmanship with technical precision, we preserved the Hall’s original architectural features while integrating contemporary services and infrastructure. The result is a revitalised space that honours its history while meeting the evolving needs of the University and external users.
Our restoration of McEwan Hall involved a sensitive blend of heritage conservation and modern construction to bring new life to this iconic venue.
Key works included the restoration of the ornate Victorian exterior stonework and full refurbishment of the main hall carefully preserving the decorative gilt painting, stained glass, and original wooden seating. A striking feature was the installation of a glazed lift shaft and new steel staircase within the historic Campanile Tower, enhancing accessibility throughout the building.
We constructed a new entrance pavilion and link structure connecting to an extended basement beneath the redeveloped Bristo Square. This new lower level space now houses flexible rooms, accessible toilets and storage to support graduations, exams, lectures and events.
Externally, we landscaped Bristo Square to improve safety, accessibility and its usability as a key public events space including during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival ensuring the building is open, inclusive and functional for all users.
At a glance...
£25.3m
Project value
2018
Completion date
University of Edinburgh
Client
Challenges and solutions
Restoration works at McEwan Hall posed several technical challenges, requiring creative and precise solutions. During basement and Campanile Tower excavations, unforeseen structural obstructions were uncovered. We carried out careful hand excavations to avoid damaging the historic structure and used Brokk remote controlled picks in confined spaces, only after thoroughly identifying and assessing each obstruction.
Another challenge involved navigating uncharted underground services, including drainage and water mains. These were frequently encountered during excavations, demanding meticulous trial investigations to establish their purpose and safely adapt our approach.
Inside the main hall, repainting artwork, retouching gold leaf and installing smart glass windows required extensive scaffolding totalling over 300 tonnes and 20 miles of tubing. However, the Renaissance floor could not bear the load. Our temporary works engineer designed an innovative ‘floating deck’ system, transferring the scaffold load to six existing steel columns in the basement, ensuring structural integrity and safe access throughout.
Added value
The McEwan Hall restoration provided valuable opportunities for learning, skills development and innovation. Our specialist supply chain partner, Scottish Wall Paintings, delivered hands-on instruction and site based experience to 90 University of Edinburgh art students during the restoration of the intricate wall and ceiling artwork. This direct engagement allowed students to develop specialist conservation techniques on a live heritage project.
In addition, we supported summer placements for University of Edinburgh engineering students, giving them practical insight into complex restoration and construction methodologies.
Environmental innovation also played a key role. Thirteen high level round windows in the auditorium were refurbished using advanced ‘smart glass’ technology, which automatically tints when an electric current is applied. This modern solution offers discreet solar shading while preserving the integrity of the building’s historic design.
Through targeted social value initiatives and sustainable innovations, the project delivered long lasting benefits for students, the university and the wider community.
Our partners
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M&E Engineer: Buro Happold
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Structural Engineer: SKM
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Architect: LDN Architects