Investment in facilities will be the key to ensuring established office buildings remain attractive to prospective tenants in the face of increased competition from new-build developments in Aberdeen.
Doug Garden, a partner in the building consultancy department of the Aberdeen office of Knight Frank, is leading a team delivering improvements to various buildings across the Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks at Bridge of Don.
The projects, which have been undertaken on behalf of property owner Moorfield Group, included the refurbishment of toilet areas, creation of shower facilities, the refurbishment of reception and common areas to Davidson House as well as the refurbishment of vacant office suites and the introduction of a contemporary two storey reception area extension to Kettock Lodge. More than £1million was spent on the projects, which have transformed the facilities.
Doug Garden said: “It is encouraging to see this level of investment being made into existing building stock, which perhaps goes against the overall pattern in Aberdeen of spending being restricted.
“There are very sound business reasons for those decisions. In a difficult market, with more options for tenants than ever before in Aberdeen, there is a great emphasis on retention. Enhanced facilities have a major influence on retention, in addition to helping attract new businesses.
“The extensive refurbishment and alteration works undertaken at Kettock Lodge in particular have now elevated these facilities to a Grade A standard. But with a very reasonable rental rate, we expect the remaining office suites to generate a good level of interest.”
Knight Frank’s building consultancy team project managed the improvements programme from design through to completion.