Representatives of the council, university, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, and main contractor Heron Brothers Ltd, attended the ceremonial event on Friday.

The 7,200 sqm Hub, which received planning permission last September, is expected to be completed next year. It will comprise flexible laboratory, office and fully equipped meeting and conference spaces for rent by small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Hub will support and grow businesses driven by innovation, knowledge exchange and technology, bringing together research, industry and academia under one roof, creating opportunities for synergies and knowledge-sharing. Tenants will be able to rent flexible accommodation packages for move-in ready space, that is bespoke to their size and needs. Full-scale marketing to potential tenants will take place in the new year, in anticipation of the completion of construction in summer 2025 and there have already been a good number of expressions of interest.

The venture is supported by £28.6 million from the UK Government, £1.4m from the Scottish Government and £10m from East Lothian Council as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESES City Region Deal).

Councillor Norman Hampshire, leader of East Lothian Council, 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.”

Sir Paul Grice, principal and vice-chancellor of QMU, said: “We are very excited to see the Edinburgh Innovation Hub so close to completion and to mark this milestone with our partners. Along with driving economic development locally and nationally, the Hub will act as a gateway into QMU for businesses, increase opportunities at the university for industry-relevant research and knowledge exchange, promote an entrepreneurial culture, and increase the vibrancy of the area around the campus. The Hub is not just a new building, it will be a new business.”

Cathal Heron, regional director of Heron Bros, said: “As the main contractor for the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, we are proud to celebrate this significant milestone in the project’s development. The topping-out ceremony marks not just the completion of the roof and structure, but also the culmination of collaborative efforts between our skilled team and all partners involved. This project showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that fosters innovation and growth. We are excited to see how the Hub will contribute to the economic development of East Lothian and beyond, and we look forward to completing this transformative project next year.”

The Hub will help to initiate development of the wider Edinburgh Innovation Park on land adjacent to the QMU campus. The development was granted planning permission in principle in March 2019, as part of a wider mixed-use development, including new homes and a new primary school, business & industry use and community facilities.