Inside Edinburgh University's Teviot union after extensive renovation

Edinburgh University’s historic student union has reopened following an extensive refurbishment.

Teviot Row House opened its doors to students and the public this week after being closed for renovations since September 2023.

Originally built in 1889, it’s believed to have been the world’s first purpose-built student union.

To this day, it remains in use by students and academics – and every August, it transforms into a popular Fringe venue.

Associate principal and deputy secretary for students Lucy Evans says they wanted to ensure the Teviot is “set up for the future.”

“Spaces are now more accessible; we’ve reviewed the bars and cafes and thought about study spaces, making sure our students can maximise their time here, keeping that heritage while making sure student are able to use the space.

“Students matter to us at the university; we must listen to them, and that’s what we’ve done through this project. Our student experience is the most critical thing to our university.”

New-look spaces inside Teviot Edinburgh University

Teviot Row House has been renovated Edinburgh University

The restoration project was managed by Edinburgh University Students’ Association, with funding from the university.

Built in 1889, Teviot Row House is believed to be the old student union in the world. During renovations, many areas of the building have changes, while others – like in the popular Library Bar – have remained largely the same.

However, the renovation project sought to “preserve the atmosphere and architecture that generations of students and visitors have loved”.

A new community lounge has been created, as well as bar and restaurant spaces.

And those seeing it for the first time were impressed with its new look.

Masters student Helsi Wilson said she was “stunned” walking through the new-look building.

“It’s a whole new setting; it has something for everyone. It’s a completely new dimension with a mix of different emotions you feel as you walk through the hallways. I know people will fall in love with it all over again.

“I’m so glad I got to see it before the year ended.”

Teviot went under a two-and-a-half year renovation STV News

Students’ associations vice president Akrit Ghimire described it as a “tardis.”

“This building doesn’t look that big from the outside, then you come in and it’s a big room, then another room is even bigger. How can all this fit in one building? It’s incredible.

“The fact we’ve had it for hundreds of years is a testament to the fact that students are so important at this university.

“When it was taken offline, the student identity on campus felt disjointed. It’s really cool to have it back.”

Student Michael Hefferman says he only got to see the building once during his Freshers’ Week before it closed for renovations.

“I had my first pizza there, met folks, and then suddenly it was shut. It’s so nice to see it back in place

“One thing I’m excited about is the new wellbeing facilities – yoga and other cool stuff. It’s nice to have it in the heart of campus.

“It’s so important that students claim this as their own. It’s a nice refurbishment, ensuring this is a place for everybody, which is so important.”

New accessible spaces have been created whilst retaining key features of the building STV News

Students involved in the project have created an exhibition exploring the union’s history through archival material.

“We looked through old photographs, very old student union papers, and newspapers to put together an exciting exhibition about the history of Teviot. What we saw was crazy – it used to have a smoking room in the 1950s, a newspaper reading room, and our debating hall. It’s cool to see that evolution and what people used the space for,” student association president Ash Scholz said.

“The building has such historic charm, but it was very much in need of an update. It needed better accessibility – the heating wasn’t working properly and the toilets were awful. We were in need of an update

“In an old city that has so much character, people really missed things like the Library Bar and the Debating Hall, so we kept them as close as we could to the original. Some things didn’t change at all. It’s nice to have a combination of the old and the new.

“Having this space is lovely because anyone can make it their own. Whether you want a pint, to play board games with friends, or to study, it’s just so versatile.”

Teviot will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate its reopening over the coming weeks, before welcoming performers from across the world during the Fringe this August.