What to expect from Edinburgh University’s new look student union

Earlier last week, the University of Edinburgh and its Student’s Association (EUSA) offered a new glimpse into the ongoing refurbishments of Teviot House.

The world’s oldest purpose-built student union (built in 1887), which also doubles as a Fringe venue, shut its doors for renovations in September 2023 to improve facilities and accessibility.

Originally planned to reopen in Summer 2025, “significant challenges” with the building’s electric wiring delayed completion to Spring 2026.

EUSA President, Ash Scholz, told The Tab they’re “excited for the reopening of Teviot” as “the renovation has delivered much-needed improvements”.

Here’s what to Expect

According to the provisional plans released in April 2025, the £10 million refurbishment includes a new café and bar area, accessed via Charles Street, with menus and pricing yet to be confirmed.

The plans also include merging the sports bar with an underground club, open daily. This will feature multiple TV screens for live sports, as well as space for small-scale performances, quizzes, and karaoke. Other updates include transforming The Study into a well-being studio and revamping the Loft Bar.

However, several rooms are to remain largely untouched such as the much-loved library bar, the balcony room, and the games room which is expected to be equipped with e-sports facilities.

Edinburgh’s historic debates hall has been “preserved and restored” according to Ash, to reinstate its stained-glass windows, of which some were previously hidden.

Prior to renovations, none of the building was fully accessible without assistance for those in wheelchairs. Additions such as a ramp to the entrance from Bristo Square means that almost 90 per cent of Teviot will be fully accessible. All toilets have also been replaced, with some gender-neutral ones added similarly to other university buildings, including EUSA’s Pleasance Bar and Cafe.

Most Read

I went on a night out with Bonnie Blue – it was uncomfortable and she’s dead behind the eyes

This 19-year-old is going to be the next Bonnie Blue, and she’s already planning extreme stunts

Lily Phillips shares utterly disgusting ‘before and after’ video and now I’m traumatised

Lucy Evans, the university’s deputy secretary, and EUSA president Ash Scholz, toured the building to offer an insight into what is to come, watch the full video below.

What do Students Have to Say?

Despite the planned upgrades, the initial closure was not popular with many students. A petition to keep Teviot opened amassed 1,259 signatures in May 2023.

A recent graduate told the Tab that Teviot was “a good place to be socially, especially in my first year, because it was a really convenient place to arrange to meet new people or go in between classes.”

Third year student, Sarah, echoed this saying “it was genuinely one of the reasons I picked Edinburgh”, adding “I really hope they haven’t taken its charm away and made it modern”.

Similar concerns regarding the maintenance of the building’s unique history were seen in the comments on Edinburgh University’s recent Instagram video which showed the progress of a modern-looking bar set to open on the first floor.

Despite this, Ash told The Tab that “great care has been taken to celebrate and preserve Teviot’s character”.

Teviot’s closure resulted in students having one less study space. Despite efforts from the university to tackle this, such as opening the Future’s Institute and installing study hubs in 40 George Square, Sarah told the Tab that the closure was “annoying” as “there are not enough places to be on campus for the amount of students”.

Despite this, Ash remained positive about the refurb, saying: “We’re excited for the reopening of Teviot in spring 2026. The renovation has delivered much-needed improvements that will make the building significantly more accessible and provide fantastic spaces and facilities for students to enjoy.

“Great care has been taken to celebrate and preserve Teviot’s character (such as the library bar) and unique history, ensuring it remains a special home for students for generations to come. Keep an eye on our webpage for the latest updates”

Featured image via EUSA on Youtube.