A PLANNING application to refurbish and improve the environmental impact of an office building in Edinburgh’s city centre has been granted.
The vision for the refurbishment of the building in Calton Square, currently home to Baillie Gifford, is to create a best-in-class office building with the highest possible Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) standards and lowest carbon footprint.
To help with this environmental mission, the building will retain its existing structure and will re-use existing materials where possible.
Located at the top of Leith Walk, the refurb provides almost 200,000 sq. ft. of office accommodation, with roof terraces, co-working areas and a internal atrium that has the potential to act as an auditorium suitable for a number of event types.
Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best-in-class ESG ratings targeted including Nabers 5*, WELL Platinum and BREEAM outstanding.
Craig McDonald, principal and managing director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, gave his thoughts on the development.
He said: “The granting of consent, subject to conditions, has been a successful collaboration between the client, design team, City of Edinburgh Council and other stakeholder groups that have been very gracious with their time and support.
“Aiming to deliver the highest environmental performance standards and the lowest possible carbon footprint, we expect to deliver an exemplar office building, which will serve the occupiers, investors and the Edinburgh community well into the future.
“Calton Square will address demand for top quality office space in the capital, while making an important contribution to the city, and we look to continue engaging with the Council and local community as we turn our vision for the site into a reality.”
