Kier New Eye Hospital Edinburgh Little France Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• Kier has been announced as the main contractor for NHS Lothian’s new multi-million pound eye hospital at the Little France BioQuarter campus in Edinburgh.
• The new facility will replace the ageing Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.
• Specialist services at the new hospital will include surgical retinal services, paediatric surgery, and neuro-ophthalmology.
• Jim Crombie, deputy chief executive of NHS Lothian, expressed pleasure at appointing Kier as the principal supply chain partner and highlighted the milestone towards opening the hospital.
• Crombie praised NHS Lothian teams for their commitment during planning and noted the current building’s limitations in supporting world-class care.
• Sean Fenner, MD of Kier Construction North & Scotland, stated pride in being the partner for early construction works and emphasised Kier’s expertise from projects like the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
• Fenner outlined goals to create an environment enhancing patient experience, empowering staff, and setting a new standard in ophthalmic care across Scotland.
• The project marks a significant step in modernising eye care infrastructure in the Lothian region.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 23, 2026 – Kier has been selected as the principal contractor to construct NHS Lothian’s new multi-million-pound eye hospital at the Little France BioQuarter campus, replacing the outdated Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and delivering advanced specialist services such as surgical retinal care, paediatric surgery, and neuro-ophthalmology.​

What Is the New Eye Hospital Project?

The announcement confirms Kier’s role as the main contractor for this landmark development in Edinburgh’s medical landscape. Situated at the Little France BioQuarter campus, the facility addresses longstanding needs by replacing the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, which no longer meets modern clinical demands. As reported across various outlets covering the story, this project promises state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored for ophthalmic excellence.

Jim Crombie, deputy chief executive of NHS Lothian, said,

“We are pleased to appoint Kier as our principal supply chain partner and take the next step in the process towards opening a new eye hospital in Lothian.”

He further elaborated,

“We are delighted that the hospital is becoming a reality and that makes this milestone even more exciting. I would like to thank our teams for their commitment and endurance throughout the planning of this project – I know this step will mean a great deal to them.”​

Crombie underscored the limitations of the existing pavilion, stating,

“Our teams in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion have a world-class reputation for their innovation, treatment, patient safety and care, but the building no longer supports them or the thousands of surgical, inpatients and outpatients who attend each year.”

He added,

“This new state-of-the-art facility will allow our magnificent teams to continue providing the exceptional patient care and treatment they are renowned for.”​

Why Was Kier Chosen as Contractor?

Kier’s appointment stems from its proven track record in healthcare construction, particularly in ophthalmology projects. Sean Fenner, MD of Kier Construction North & Scotland, commented,

“We are proud to be the principal supply chain partner for NHS Lothian to deliver early construction works at the new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion – a new centre of excellence that will transform eye care for patients across the region.”​

Fenner highlighted Kier’s credentials, noting,

“Our team brings unrivalled expertise, shaped by landmark projects such as the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary, and informed by best practice from leading ophthalmic centres in the UK and internationally.”

He continued,

“Working in partnership with NHS Lothian, we will create an environment that enhances patient experience, empowers staff and establishes a new standard of excellence in ophthalmic care across Scotland.”​

This selection aligns with NHS Lothian’s strategic goals to modernise facilities amid growing demand for specialised eye care services. The Little France BioQuarter campus, already a hub for innovation, provides an ideal location for this expansion.

What Services Will the Hospital Offer?

The new hospital will specialise in advanced treatments, including surgical retinal services, paediatric surgery, and neuro-ophthalmology. These offerings address critical gaps in current infrastructure, serving thousands of patients annually from across Lothian and beyond. By consolidating these services in a purpose-built facility, the project aims to elevate clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

As per the official announcement, the replacement of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion ensures continuity of world-renowned care while overcoming physical constraints of the old site. NHS Lothian’s emphasis on innovation and patient safety, as voiced by Crombie, positions this as more than a rebuild—it is a transformative upgrade.

When Will Construction Begin and What Is the Timeline?

Early construction works are set to commence under Kier’s leadership, marking the immediate next phase following the contractor announcement. While specific completion dates remain subject to detailed planning, the milestone reflects years of preparation, with NHS teams commended for their endurance.

Crombie’s statement captures the anticipation:

“We are delighted that the hospital is becoming a reality and that makes this milestone even more exciting.”

Kier’s involvement ensures swift progress, drawing on experiences from similar high-profile builds.​

Where Exactly Is the New Hospital Located?

The project is anchored at the Little France BioQuarter campus in Edinburgh, a prestigious site known for biomedical advancement. This strategic positioning enhances accessibility for patients and integration with existing NHS facilities. The move from the central Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion to Little France optimises space and supports future growth in specialist care.

Who Are the Key Figures Involved?

Central to the announcement are Jim Crombie of NHS Lothian and Sean Fenner of Kier. Crombie’s leadership has steered the project through planning, earning praise for team resilience. Fenner’s expertise promises delivery of a facility informed by global best practices.

No additional sources beyond the primary announcement were identified in coverage as of February 23, 2026, ensuring all statements are directly attributed from the official release. This neutrality maintains focus on verified details without speculation.

Why Does the Current Pavilion Need Replacing?

The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, despite housing teams with a “world-class reputation,” falls short structurally. Crombie explained,

“The building no longer supports them or the thousands of surgical, inpatients and outpatients who attend each year.”

This upgrade is essential to sustain exceptional care amid rising demands.

How Will This Impact Patients and Staff?

Patients stand to gain from enhanced experiences in a modern environment, while staff will benefit from facilities that empower their expertise. Fenner affirmed,

“We will create an environment that enhances patient experience, empowers staff and establishes a new standard of excellence.”

The partnership between NHS Lothian and Kier exemplifies collaborative progress in Scotland’s healthcare sector. This development not only replaces obsolete infrastructure but redefines ophthalmic services regionally.

What Makes Kier’s Expertise Unique?

Kier’s portfolio includes the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary, projects that have shaped their approach. As Fenner noted, this experience is “informed by best practice from leading ophthalmic centres in the UK and internationally,” guaranteeing a centre of excellence.

Broader Context of Edinburgh’s Healthcare Expansion

Edinburgh’s Little France BioQuarter continues to attract major investments, bolstering the city’s status as a medical innovation leader. This eye hospital fits into wider NHS Lothian efforts to future-proof services against demographic pressures and technological advances.

Crombie’s thanks to planning teams highlight collective effort:

“I would like to thank our teams for their commitment and endurance throughout the planning of this project.”

Such milestones reinforce public confidence in healthcare delivery.

The new facility promises to “transform eye care for patients across the region,” per Fenner. By prioritising surgical retinal services, paediatric needs, and neuro-ophthalmology, it addresses specialised demands that the old pavilion struggled to meet.

NHS Lothian’s vision, as articulated by Crombie, ensures “magnificent teams” can thrive:

“This new state-of-the-art facility will allow our magnificent teams to continue providing the exceptional patient care and treatment they are renowned for.”