Green light for Canongate office development

19th Mar 2020
| Projects
| Sarah Watt

A planning application for the development of high-quality office accommodation by property developer Summix Capital has been granted by Edinburgh City Council.

Designed by 3DReid on behalf of Summix Capital the sensitive scheme located at 179 Canongate, incorporates the A-listed Canongate Kirk and Canongate Tolbooth within the World Heritage site. The proposals introduce a characterful office development and offer much-needed workspace within the heart of the capital’s Old Town.

Edinburgh’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has created a shortfall of office space in the city in recent years. Reinforcing this, research from Savills Estate Agents has shown that in the capital a shortage of quality office stock contributed to city centre take-up falling to 380,000 sq ft in 2019, lower than the preceding two years.

The approved plans will provide easy to access office space and support the growth of office space in the capital.

“We’re thrilled our application has been approved. These proposals will redevelop a vital location in the heart of the capital and help to tackle Edinburgh’s shortage of available office space provision.”

Stuart Black,

Development Director at Summix Capital

The building also boasts strong sustainability credentials, including dedicated on-site cycling provision and facilities for greener commuting. Additionally, the site has the potential for a publicly accessible café to animate the existing courtyard to Old Tolbooth Wynd, enhancing occupants and visitors experience of the building.

There will be four floors designed for small and medium businesses with the provision for coworking. Each floor will have 5,000 sq. ft with accessible break out spaces on the top two floors. Coworking spaces provide a more flexible, accessible and affordable option for SME businesses and freelancers with an open environment which cultivates a positive and collaborative working environment.

Incorporating the wider UNESCO World Heritage Site and the A-listed structures of the Canongate Kirk and Canongate Tolbooth, the proposals will retain boundary walls, existing workshop structures and remaining historical artefacts on site.

Chris Dobson, Director at 3DReid, said: “Delighted to see our Canongate office scheme for Summix receive unanimous approval at Committee. Described during the course of the proceedings as ‘an exemplar of conservation-led regeneration of a site’.

“A brilliant outcome to a challenging setting, positioned at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“It’s been a thoroughly interesting and rewarding journey, so far, with a great, engaged team. Am now very much looking forward to the next steps”

Stuart Black, Development Director at Summix Capital, said: “As a coworking space, our development will offer an innovative and competitive solution while ensuring its green credentials are in line with the City of Edinburgh Council standards.

“The plans represent the conclusion of a collaborative discussion about how best to make this site work. Summix Capital consulted widely with stakeholders and the community to ensure this site represented the kind of forwarded momentum the city-centre needs.

“We welcome today’s vote, and Summix Capital is thrilled to offer a new lease of life to the Canongate.”