One of Scotland’s largest commercial property specialists has helped the Scottish Wildlife Trust make a landmark move from their heritage building headquarters to a newly refurbished office in Edinburgh.

Harbourside House in Leith was chosen by The Scottish Wildlife trust as its new base after spending twenty years in Cramond.

The Trust enlisted the expertise of Edinburgh-based Space Solutions to design and refurbish their new offices, after they impressed during a 2 month consultation process, which saw the workplace design experts engage in a full workplace performance review.

Space Solutions then developed the 4,730 square feet of office space in 6 weeks to complete the project on time and within budget.

Douglas Macmillan, Business Development Manager at Space Solutions said: "We were extremely pleased that Space Solutions impressed during the consultation period and were able to secure the contract with Scottish Wildlife Trust.

"Rather than being a simple move, one of the key complexities of the project was that the trust had been in the same building for more than 20 years – so a move to the modern multifunctional work space provided in the new location would come as a culture shock for the organisation.

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"It was part of our job to ensure that we considered the staff and their current work processes and see to it that these were supported and enhanced in the new space. When taking into account new sites for organisations, it is important to not only consider the physical elements, but also the workforce who will be working in the space.

"The previous headquarters were extremely dated and cellular, which made us consider a more modern, open plan working environment for the new office – enhancing the spaces functionality and sustainability.

"We were delighted to be involved in such a landmark point in the Scottish Wildlife Trusts history."

As well as carrying out space planning for Scottish Wildlife Trust’s new offices, Space Solutions also carried out the main construction works which included new flooring, decoration and mechanical & electrical alterations to suit the new layout.

Catherine Douglas, Human Resource Manager at the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: "The Scottish Wildlife Trust appointed Space Solutions to take the lead on the daunting task of relocating 38 staff from premises that had been ‘home’ for 20 years.

"They took us through each stage in the process from a staff engagement survey at the outset, to space planning, a full fit-out project, and the physical removal and relocation of furniture and equipment.

"They appointed and managed first class contractors to carry out the fit-out works and this resulted in the finished job in reaching a high standard that matched our budget and expectations.

"Space Solutions staff in all these areas acted with professionalism and diligence, and showed a high level of customer care which was greatly appreciated."

Space Solutions is Scotland’s biggest independent expert in helping businesses manage changes within the workplace. It operates UK-wide – from bases in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Livingston – to design, build, fit out, refurbish and relocate modern and productive business environments.

(GK/DW)