Kier appointed to deliver new state-of-the-art Eye Hospital at Edinburgh BioQuarter

NHS Lothian has appointed Kier as Principal Supply Chain Partner to deliver its new multi-million-pound Eye Hospital at the Little France BioQuarter campus in Edinburgh.

The project will replace the existing Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion with a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to support advanced ophthalmic treatment, surgery and clinical research. The new hospital will sit alongside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health and Edinburgh University’s clinical research facilities, forming part of the wider Edinburgh BioQuarter.

The development strengthens the BioQuarter’s position as a science and healthcare campus, integrating specialist clinical environments with research and academic facilities to support innovation in treatment and patient care.

Kier has been appointed to lead early construction works and will act as Principal Supply Chain Partner throughout delivery. The contractor brings experience from specialist healthcare projects including the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital in Glasgow and Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

The new hospital is intended to provide a hub of excellence for ophthalmic services, offering adult and paediatric care as well as specialist surgical retinal services and neuro-ophthalmology. In addition to serving patients across Lothian, it will provide regional specialist services for NHS Borders, Tayside and Fife.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said the appointment marks a significant step towards delivering a modern facility that matches the clinical reputation of the existing teams, whose work is currently constrained by an ageing building.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said the investment demonstrates a commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure and ensuring patients have access to treatment in modern, purpose-built environments.

Sean Fenner, Managing Director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said the scheme will create a centre of excellence designed to enhance patient experience and support staff, drawing on best practice from leading ophthalmic facilities in the UK and internationally.

By embedding the new hospital within the BioQuarter, the project aligns specialist healthcare delivery with Scotland’s wider life sciences and research ambitions, reinforcing the growing importance of science-led healthcare infrastructure across the UK.