The Capitol building in Aberdeen has been named as the best new office development outside central London.
It is the latest of a string of honours for the Union Street complex, which has its official opening in April last year after a £35million transformation of the former theatre, cinema and nightclub.
The Office Agents Society (OAS), with members across the UK, presented its honour for best development – excluding the heart of Britain’s capital – at a prestigious ceremony in London.
It followed hot on the heels of The Capitol, a joint venture between Aberdeen-based Knight Property Group (KPG) and M&G Real Estate, being named commercial workplace of the year at the at the British Council for Offices’ regional property sector awards in Glasgow.
The Capitol is already home to professional services firms PwC, which has taken the 10,000sq ft top floor of the building, and Maclay Murray and Spens, which has 5,049sq ft of the fourth floor.
In April, North Sea oil and gas independent Chrysaor revealed it had agreed terms to become the third and biggest tenant in The Capitol. Its lease covers more than 48,000sq ft, or in excess of 65% of the whole property over four-and-a half floors.
KPG managing director James Barrack said: “The aim of The Capitol redevelopment was to bring new life to an iconic but derelict building and to kick start city centre regeneration on Union Street.
“I don’t think we appreciated at the time the level of damage which had occurred over years of neglect.
“The Capitol has been one of Aberdeen’s greatest landmarks for years and it was important that we did not compromise on quality, despite the market we were faced with.
“It’s a proud moment within my career knowing that not only have we restored an Aberdeen landmark to its former glory, we have also provided Aberdeen with a building recognised as the best new build outside central London.”
The Capitol was recognised by the OAS for its architectural qualities, flexibility and attractiveness to institutions.
Arron Finnie, partner at property firm Ryden and joint acting agent for The Capitol, said: “It was a brave move for Knight to continue with the project, aware of the tough market they were facing due to the Oil and Gas downturn within the area.
“With great risks come great rewards, which in regards to The Capitol is definitely the case. I’m delighted to see that industry experts from across the UK are recognising the building and its stature.”
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