Latest from around the country, by Bob Serafini
New future for Odeon
One of Glasgow's best loved buildings looks set for a surprising new future - as office space.
The remaining bit of the former Odeon cinema in Renfield Street, complete with crumbling art deco façade, has been lying empty for a decade.
Despite a number of schemes which have gone for planning - including one last year for a hotel, bar, restaurant and leisure complex - The Herald understands that the property has now been acquired for conversion into business space.
Graham Wiseman, director of Glasgow based Stelmain Ltd, confirmed the property had been bought by his clients but declined to provide further details at this stage.
The independent property management firm is best known for operating several of the classic city centre buildings, including Baltic Chambers in Wellington Street, Turnberry House in West George Street and Central Chambers in Hope Street.
News of the impending change of use has been warmly welcomed by the city's office agents, particularly those marketing the newly opened new office tower adjoining the cinema foyer, for whom its dilapidated state had been a source of embarrassment. It has been on the official buildings at risk register for several years.
Built in 1934 as the Paramount music venue, it attracted some of the biggest names in the music business, including The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Dusty Springfield, Roy Orbison and The Rolling Stones, before being converted into a 2800 seater cinema in the late 1960s.
Capital for Capita
Outsourcing giant Capita is to occupy the whole of Ediston Properties' £10m office building at 145 Morrison Street, Edinburgh.
The FTSE 100 firm is to lease the 26,894 sq ft property for 15 years, at a rental of £676,136 pa, with no break clause.
The Grade A standard property in the capital's financial district has ground and four upper levels, close to Haymarket Station and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. It was completed two years ago, and has been slow to fill, but has now reaped its reward for its patience.
Capita chief executive Andy Parker said: "We already have a major presence in Scotland, employing thousands of people across the country. After careful consideration, we have chosen this building as the home for a number of our Edinburgh based businesses."
Ediston investment director Calum Bruce said: "Securing a firm of this stature is testament to the quality of the building and the strength of the location. The asset was developed to be a headquarters building for a single occupier and it is satisfying to see that happen."
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