Bosses upbeat as first seven clients move into former Diageo base at Edinburgh Park

The first businesses have moved into a multi-million pound office redevelopment in Edinburgh amid strong demand for space despite the surge in home-working amid the pandemic.

Launched in September, Pure Offices at Edinburgh Park to the west of the city consists of 90 serviced office suites covering some 33,000 square feet. Picture: Claire Watson Photography

Launched in September, Pure Offices at Edinburgh Park to the west of the city consists of 90 serviced office suites covering some 33,000 square feet. The new-look building is a transformation of drink giant Diageo’s former Scottish base.

Bosses at Pure Offices said they had feared that restrictions urging people to work from home would hit short-term demand for its £3.8 million office development.

However, they have found that it is small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups that are leading demand and have been proactive in securing Grade-A office space. A “large number of prospects” have emerged seeking to confirm their plans as soon as lockdown restrictions ease.

Katie Whell, operations director with Pure Offices, said: “We’re really upbeat about our prospects at Edinburgh Park driven by the faith shown in us by our new customers.

“Given the current climate we’re delighted to have already secured seven movers. It is small, nimble firms that are committing – as they’re desperate for a new base from which to grow. It speaks to a feeling that in times of adversity, there can also be opportunity and a great deal of entrepreneurialism too.”

She added: “As soon as the way out of the current restrictions emerges we are confident that lots more firms will be looking to complete moves into office spaces like ours. We think bigger firms will look to central offices as a base from which to operate.

“Key for us is being ready and able to offer functional and desirable workspaces that deliver for the needs of our clients.”

Located a short hop from Edinburgh Park Central tram stop, the development is the latest project by Reading-headquartered Pure, which also operates The Bonnington Bond and Sugar Bond offices in Leith.

The refit has seen the building gutted and rebuilt, with a new entrance designed and wayfinding “trail” from the tram stop and three business lounges created.

Arlene Reid is a director with ClearTaxation, which provides advice to expatriate US citizens living in the UK. She said: “We were in more traditional offices just off Charlotte Square, but this year the biggest drawback was with our internet connectivity.

“We couldn’t get access to fast enough fibre due to the cobbled streets. With video conferencing now an everyday requirement this wasn’t sustainable for us.”

Among the movers are Elmen Consultants and NiTech Solutions, two specialist firms representing the STEM industries.

Carl Elmen of Elmen Consultants, which develops systems for testing electronic components, said: “We’ve only moved from down the road, but were drawn by the value and the quality.

“Where we’ve been used to spartan facilities and cheap fittings, we now have top quality, interior designed spaces.”

Will Davies, CEO of NiTech Solutions, said: “We spun out from Heriot Watt in 2004 and have become a dispersed business with people working all over the world. Our space at Edinburgh Park is NiTech’s global HQ.”

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