The Sir Charles Lyell Centre is a joint venture between Heriot-Watt University (HWU) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) to design and build purpose built accommodation which will comprise of office areas, research laboratory areas, aquarium and associated working areas and laboratories, shared central core area containing welfare, ancillary and meeting areas and external works and services. The facility will require to meet all Building Control standards and achieve an ‘Excellent' BREEAM rating. The overall floor area is 5 300 m² and the current estimated cost is 9 300 000 to 9 400 000 GBP approximately. The site is a vacant plot within the Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus.