Land Development Project

Proposals for Innovation Park and Commercial Zone on land around the University

We have exciting plans for use of the land around the campus, focusing on an Innovation Park and Commercial Zone. We are doing this because creation of such facilities will enable us to drive economic development to benefit the local Musselburgh community, and those in East Edinburgh, Lothian and Border regions. The development will also add to the vibrancy of the local area as it will include attractive spaces on land adjacent to the University facilities for local residents and the University community.

Our proposal for an innovation park is the major project included within the Edinburgh City Region Deal to benefit East Lothian, and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create significant employment and a vibrant and sustainable community that will serve generations to come.

On this site, you will find details of the three elements of the land development project: the Innovation Park, the Innovation Hub within the Innovation Park, and the separate Commercial Zone. There is also a dedicated Edinburgh Innovation Park microsite.

The design, build and operation of the Innovation Park, including the Hub, will be managed by a joint venture between QMU and East Lothian Council. The project is supported by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. For more information on the ESES City Deal, see their website.  

Wholly owned by QMU, the Commercial Zone will provide small retail and leisure facilities.

Press releases and newsletters (with the most recent last in the list)

Plans Unveiled for £80m Innovation Hub Supporting 13,000 jobs at Queen Margaret University

QMU to Consult on Proposal for New Innovation Park

QMU Appoints Leading Knowledge Economy Specialists to advance plans for new Innovation Park for Scotland

University Says Completed A1 Junction is Essential to Boost East Lothian Economy

City Region Deal will fast-track creation of vibrant sustainable communities for generations to come

Innovation Park at Queen Margaret University moves a step forward

Growing a happy economy

University collaboration is a recipe for success

City Region Deal signals major investment in East Lothian

City Deal agreement signals green light for Edinburgh Innovation Park

Statement from Queen Margaret University on adoption of East Lothian LDP

City Deal agreement signals green light for Edinburgh Innovation Park

Statement from Queen Margaret University on East Lothian Council’s Planning Committee approval of proposals

Statement on approval of planning permission for the A1/QMU road junction

£40m City Region Deal funding unlocked for Edinburgh Innovation Park

Work to start on extended junction connecting to QMU, a key step in enabling developments including Edinburgh Innovation Park

Food & drink innovation hubs plans progressing

Progress for innovation hub as design team appointed

If you have any questions, you can email us at marketing@qmu.ac.uk

What happens next?

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee approved the full business case for the Innovation Hub in June 2021.  Work has now begun on the design of the Hub, with construction due to be complete in 2025. Development of the wider Innovation Park will come later.

Partner Logos for UK Government, Scottish Government and City Region Deal

The Edinburgh Innovation Park project is supported by the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Marketing and Communications Office

Show Contacts

Marketing and Communications Office

Marketing and Communications Office 0131 474 0000

Elements of the project