Scotch Whisky Association HQ Quartermile 2, Edinburgh Headquarters Property, Offices

Scotch Whisky Association HQ at Quartermile 2

Edinburgh Headquarters Office Development, Scotland

18 Nov 2015

Design: –

Scotch Whisky Association creates perfect blend with new office fit out

Long standing Edinburgh institution moves to modern development.

New Scotch Whisky Association HQ

Edinburgh, November 2015 – The Scotch Whisky Association’s new bespoke and contemporary HQ at Quartermile 2 has been completed, providing the Association with a workspace fitting of an industry enjoying worldwide success.

Tasked with advancing the global interests and profile of Scotch Whisky, its members and of the industry as a whole, the Association initiated the move from its traditional headquarters in Edinburgh’s New Town to provide its staff with a more flexible working environment and to showcase the progressive, yet traditional nature of today’s Scotch Whisky industry.

Following a 40 year spell in their Atholl Crescent headquarters, JLL acted on the Scotch Whisky Association’s behalf to complete its sale and to project manage the design and fit out of the new 6,784 sq ft rented workspace within the modernist glass and steel designed Quartermile 2.

The Scotch Whisky Association’s new space, designed by Michael Laird Architects and RSP consulting engineers, features a bespoke whisky display within its reception area and a design that complements the industry. The project achieved a SKA “Silver” rating, by incorporating sustainably sourced material and technologies to improve staff wellbeing, all of which supported the client’s positive environmental brief.

Featuring flexible meeting space, innovative breakout areas, 34 workstations, central storage and a large kitchen, the office was fitted out by construction firm AKP to satisfy the current and future needs of the Association and its members.

Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town adjacent to The University of Edinburgh, the Quartermile development hosts notable tenants including Scottish tech unicorns FanDuel and SkyScanner. Offering a mix of office, retail and residential space Quartermile blends modern and traditional buildings together on all sides of Lister Square, minutes from the expansive Meadows.

Office occupier take up in Edinburgh is set for a record-breaking year, following a strong third quarter of 2015, according to recent research by JLL. In total, 193,000 sq ft was transacted between July and September, up more than thirty per cent on the same period last year.

Kenny Myles, Director at JLL said: “After four successful decades within their Atholl Crescent premises, the Association was looking to take the next step and move to a modern, open plan office space. As a redevelopment of the former Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, elements of tradition and modernity are well blended within the development, complementing the Scotch Whisky Association’s own agenda.

“The Association’s new space is bright, energetic, sustainable and well located. Most importantly, it is fit for the demands of a modern business and to successfully protect and promote the interests of the Association’s members.”

Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scotch Whisky Association deputy chief executive, said: “We enjoyed working with the very professional team at JLL on the move to our prestigious new headquarters at Quartermile. They took our brief on board to help us find a location which reflects the values of our Association and the wider Scotch Whisky industry which prides itself on combining the traditional with the modern.”

SKA Rating is an environmental assessment tool for sustainable fit outs and is operated by RICS.

Scotch Whisky Association HQ at Quartermile 2 images / information received Nov 2015