Perth-based electricity infrastructure giant SSE plc is set to expand its operations in Glasgow after securing 62,000 sq ft across four floors in Aurora, 120 Bothwell Street — one of Scotland’s most sustainable offices.
The space at Aurora will add to SSE’s existing office space in Glasgow’s Waterloo Street.
SSE is the biggest listed company run from Scotland, with a current stock market value of about £20 billion. SSE directly employs about 14,000 staff and supports 56,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland.
Aurora is owned by Forma Real Estate Fund and is being refurbished in partnership with HFD Property.
The building comprises 175,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation in Glasgow’s central business and international financial services district.
Aurora has achieved Net Zero Carbon, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘A+’ rating, BREEAM ‘Excellent’, and is 100% powered by renewable sources.
The building features a 4,000 sq ft rooftop terrace, café space, auditorium facilities, and a podcast studio. It also has 200 bike racks and 21 showers.
David Tate, director of property & FM at SSE said: “SSE continues to invest billions into the net zero transition and to support this expansion, we’ve decided to enter into this lease at Aurora which is conveniently located, and only a few minutes’ walk from One Waterloo Street.
“Now that the lease has been agreed, work is progressing on developing a detailed project plan to ensure the new building fully meets the needs of those moving to it. Colleagues are expected to move towards the end of 2025.”
Ben Dickins, head of asset management (UK) at Forma Real Estate Fund, said: “Sustainability is the core of SSE’s business and it says a great deal about the building’s credentials that the company has chosen Aurora as its new Glasgow base.
“Aurora offers the ideal combination of market-leading green features and amenities, combined with an accessible city centre location. With practical completion achieved and a strong level of interest in the remaining space, we hope to announce more deals before the end of the year.”
HFD Property MD Stephen Lewis said: “The whole concept behind Aurora is to provide what modern occupiers need from their office space – a dynamic workplace in a sustainable environment, with access to best-in-class amenities in a city centre location that you can commute to through a variety of different means.
“Sustainability has been absolutely critical to the project throughout and, with that in mind, it is apt that we welcome SSE as one of the building’s main occupiers.”