Major projects miss out as innovation and eco-credentials are recognised at industry workplace awards, reports Bob Serafini.
Four of the best workplaces in Scotland were recognised at this week's British Council for Offices (BCO) awards in Glasgow, though the judges' choices were not without some surprises and controversy. Major high profile projects, including the eye-catching new £24m police building in Dalmarnock and the £100m Prime Four business park in Aberdeen, failed to feature among the winners.
But at least regeneration company Clyde Gateway did have something to celebrate when another of their east end property portfolio, The Albus, was voted best small project for buildings up to 2000 sq m. The quirky, publicly-funded development has just signed its first tenant - design agency MadeBrave - who are exactly the type of creative company JM Architects were briefed to target. Speyroc's sophisticated Venture building at West of Scotland Science Park has a mix of laboratory and office space for technology companies.
Despite a tight budget, clever environmental elements from architects haa design and engineers KJ Tait have been enough to earn it an 'excellent' BREEAM rating and energy performance certificate of A. It won the best commercial workplace category, despite not exactly being new to the market, though rules allow entries up to four years from completion. Corporate workplace of the year went to Miller Cromdale's GFD Suez House on the North Esplanade of the River Dee in Aberdeen, which "rewards the occupier for its intelligent output", a brownfield development with green credentials designed by Halliday Fraser Munro/BLUU for this global energy player.
Edinburgh seems to be where the spend on fit-out and interior design is this year, with PwC's adaptation of the 32,000 sq ft fourth floor of Atria One in Morrison Street the clear winner in this category. Moving from more traditional Queen Street into the capital's greenest space, the professional advisers came out on top for in-depth involvement of their staff in a 'transformational' office relocation. Interior designer BDP raised an eyebrow or two with the inclusion of wing backed chairs, maybe something more familiar in the setting of an old folks' home, but it won the day.
Selection of this project as Scotland's nomination for the UK-wide innovation award was said to be because it "delivered a master class in user engagement, demonstrating that people are at the heart of any successful and innovative property project." The prestigious prizes from the industry body reward quality office design and practicality, setting the standard for excellence in the sector.
Chair of the BCO Scottish judges, Stephen Lewis of HFD Group, said: "2015 saw another increase in the number of entries, with strong contenders across all categories. We have seen a host of remarkable projects this year. "The entries were judged on factors including design, materials used, and efficient use of space, and the winning projects demonstrate what can be achieved from a clear vision that puts the differing needs of occupiers centre stage.
Staff engagement has been prevalent this year, in some cases significantly." The other judges were Lyle Christie of Edinburgh-based architects Reiach and Hall, Nick Berry of fund manager Clearbell Capital, Gayle Leslie of Wood Group PSN, and Stephen Phimister of engineers Wallace Whittle.
Lack of office floor space is proving costly
A new analysis of trends in Scottish industrial property shows take-up of units up to 20,000 sq ft soared 38 per cent last year despite a diminishing stock, putting consequent pressure on rent levels and incentives.
The JLL report found a total of 21m sq ft of industrial floor space - theoretically three years' supply - was available across Scotland, 15 per cent lower than 12 months earlier. The advisers say the stark reality is that as at February 2015 there was no new industrial floor space speculatively under construction. Prime headline rents increased in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with South Gyle at £7.75 per sq ft (assumes a requirement of 10,000 sq ft) and Glasgow a pound cheaper. Aberdeen remained unchanged at £8.75.
Kirsty Palmer of JLL Edinburgh said: "The referendum in September slowed transactions due to uncertainty, and there was not the big 'bounce' some expected after the result. "But the signs for 2015 are positive and with stocks diminishing in key areas, such as west Edinburgh, this is likely to lead to pressure on rents and incentives."
Andrew McCracken in Glasgow added: "The west coast industrial market cemented its recovery in 2014, with stronger demand across the whole spectrum of buildings and significant improvement for larger distribution units. "Secondary locations are improving, though most demand remained along motorway corridors such as Cambuslang and Eurocentral."
He said he expected deal levels to surpass last year: "The main challenge is the lack of good quality industrial stock and the very limited construction planned in the next 12 months."
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