St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
Client
St Andrews Square
Sector
Commerical
Services provided
Principal Designer,
Project Management,
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh
Project Overview
Ardstone Capital announces completion of their exceptional new project at 24 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.
Developed on behalf of CBRE IM and the Ardstone Regional Office Fund the building occupies one of the best locations in Edinburgh’s city centre.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s prestigious New Town conservation area, 24 St Andrew Square occupies a prime position within the city’s commercial and cultural core. Located within a listed Building within UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite its exceptional location, the building’s outdated interior and inefficient layout limited its appeal to modern occupiers and required a significant upgrade to attract premium tenants.
A comprehensive refurbishment was undertaken to reposition the asset within the premium office market. The design approach balanced heritage sensitivity with contemporary workplace demands, focusing on wellbeing, sustainability and accessibility.
Led by PMP, this project is now shortlisted for multiple industry awards and forms part of a wider portfolio of high-quality redevelopments delivered by the team.
The Challenge
- Modernise a listed Georgian property while preserving its historic character
- Improve functionality and spatial efficiency
- Enhance occupier experience to attract high-quality tenants
- Deliver strong sustainability performance within an existing structure
Design Approach
Reimagining Arrival & Accessibility
The original entrance lacked presence and functionality. The reception has been significantly enlarged to create a welcoming, light-filled arrival space to create a sense of arrival. The redesign introduces natural light, biophilic elements and a dedicated waiting area.
Accessibility was improved through the installation of a high-quality platform lift, sensitively integrated within the heritage context. Traditional railings, removed in the 1960s, were also reinstated to restore the building’s original character.
Meeting sustainability targes and maximising under utilised space informed the approach to the design and meeting its energy efficient status.
High-spec welfare facilities including changing rooms, showers, a drying room and bike repair station and cycle storage.
Maximising Space & Value
Unlocking the potential of the upper floors was central to the project’s success. Extending the top floor increased both usable area and ceiling height, while a new spiral staircase connects levels to create a cohesive, premium office suite. Enhanced views across St Andrew Square were achieved by remodelling outdoor space.
Attention to detail, such as lowering dormer window sills, enhances views across St Andrew Square and strengthens the connection to the surrounding environment.
Sustainability Strategy
Sustainability was a core driver of the refurbishment:
- BREEAM: Excellent
- EPC Rating: A
- Energy Strategy: Fully electric building powered by air source heat pumps
- Carbon Impact: Over 5,000 tonnes of carbon saved by refurbishing rather than rebuilding
The project demonstrates how heritage buildings can be successfully adapted to meet modern environmental standards. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent, EPC of A and is now fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps. Refurbishment of the existing building has saved over 5,000 tonnes of carbon compared to building new.
Outcome
The refurbishment of 24 St Andrew Square has transformed a dated asset into a high-quality, future-ready workplace. By combining sensitive restoration with targeted interventions, the project delivers on multiple fronts. From sustainability to enhanced occupier experience, increased asset value to premium letting space, PMP’s involvement from conception to delivery has brought St Andrew Square back to the marketplace where demand outstrips supply of grade A offices.
Project Team
- Client – Ardstone Capital
- Property Agents – Cushman & Wakefield / Savills
- Project Manager – PMP
- Architect / Interior Designer – MLA
- M&E Services – Cundall
- Structural – Christie Gillespie
- Quantity Surveyor – Thomas and Adamson
- Planning Consultants – Montagu Evans
- Contractor – Linear Design & Construct
Photography – Alan McAteer
