IT HAS been announced that Teviot Row House, Edinburgh University’s student union building, has encountered renovation problems expected to push opening until next year.
The worlds oldest purpose-built student union building was closed in October 2023 for extensive renovations and was expected to reopen in spring of this year.
An unexpected rewiring problem has caused significant delays to it’s reopening however, with it now expected to stay closed until 2026.
The extended closure was announced in October last year with student magazine The Tab recently surveying students on the impact this would have.
A number of students reported finding study and social spaces difficult and expressed upset at the extended closure of the union.
Opened in 1899, the original building has now been completely covered in scaffolding and large white sheets.
Used as a venue by the university, the more-than-century-old building hosts student events and events for the public at large.
Used for years to host Fringe shows and events, the building is now totally out of use for all events.
Students have been directed to use other buildings for activities until Teviot Row House reopens next year.
The building played host to six bars and several study spaces which have all been affected by the closure.
The university promised to preserve the buildings “character and its unique heritage and history” when it was closed.
At the time of the closure the university said: “We are working with the Students’ Association to provide you with alternative social and event spaces which can be used in the evenings and during weekends.
“We expect that the majority of what currently takes place in Teviot will move into Potterrow, the Pleasance and some additional spaces elsewhere across our estate.
“We’ll keep you updated once a full list of these alternative spaces has been confirmed.”
Upon discovering the required rewiring works, the university said: “As work has progressed and areas of the building have been further uncovered, it has been identified that a complete rewiring of the building is now required.
“Carrying out these additional repairs is essential for safety and compliance and ensures that we provide excellent facilities for our students, staff and visitors.
“This means that unfortunately we now expect Teviot to open to all students in early 2026.”
