Heritage bodies in Scotland are in opposition about what should be done with the building at 28 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.
See examples of Offices for Rent in Edinburgh here
The Scottish Civic Trust and Historic Scotland are backing a multi-million-pound plan to completely renovate the building and turn it into office space for financial services institutions.
Bermuda-based investment fund Fordell Estates has proposed to turn the premises into a financial services hub and improve the entire square, part of which would entail scaling down through traffic.
The proposed renovations would cost approximately GBP 15 million. The Scotsman reported that Corran Properties, the developer acting for Fordell has said that currently the building is a “rabbit warren” and that the redevelopment is necessary to attract foreign business and investment funds.
But the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and the Cockburn Association are set against the plans.
Spokesman Euan Leitch has told the Edinburgh City Council: “While we support the level of investment proposed for Charlotte Square and the aspirations of the owner, we must object to the loss of significant historic fabric, architectural details and buildings.”
But Steven Robb, a listed buildings expert at Historic Scotland was quoted in the Scotsman as saying: “We understand this application is by a major property holder in Charlotte Square and their aspirations offer a significant and most welcome opportunity to improve its public realm which, in turn, would complement the setting of the listed buildings.”
And Nick Ball, a director of Corran, was quoted as saying: “All things considered, we are very pleased with the feedback we have had to date. Most people have been very supportive when we have shown them around the site and explained our plans.”
Editor’s notes: Renamed 28 Charlotte Square as part of The Charlotte Square Collection, the renovation of 28 Charlotte Street was completed in 2013. It was developed and asset managed by Corran Properties Limited on behalf of Fordell Estates Limited.
The scheme provided just over 30,000 square feet and the British Council of Offices (BCO) praised the scheme “as a prime example for the successful transformation of a Georgian townhouse into a stunning contemporary office space with distinct historic character”.
As of July 2023, there was no office space for rent being marketed at 28 Charlotte Square.
As of July 2023, the registered address of the NTS was Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF, as stated on its website.
In September 2025, the BCO announced plans for a ‘complete overhaul’ of the office rating system. In a report authored by JLL for the BCO, it stated that the office grading system was no longer fit for purpose.
It found that fewer than 3 per cent of respondents supported the current grading system, and that 97 per cent of professionals working in the offices sector believed that the Grade A definition for offices was no longer fit for purpose.
Key findings included:
- Widespread dissatisfaction with current grading: 89 per cent of survey respondents agree that a more robust framework would provide greater clarity and consistency.
- Sustainability is now central: 96.5 per cent of respondents rated sustainability certifications (e.g. EPC, BREEAM, NABERS) as essential to office quality – more than any other factor.
- New priorities emerging: Health and well-being, smart technology, and tenant amenities are now seen as critical components of office quality, yet are often overlooked in current classifications.
- A new tier of quality: The concept of “Super Prime” office space is gaining traction, defined by superior environmental performance, advanced technology and premium amenities.
The report proposed a comprehensive overhaul of how office quality is defined and measured. It suggested using a new BCO grading system that would use a scoring-based approach that allows for more nuanced differentiation between buildings.