GSS Developments has submitted plans to extend a new office building in Edinburgh.

The company, which is currently delivering 2 Semple Street in the Exchange District, is planning to add a further 5,000 sq ft glass-encased sixth floor to help boost the amount of office space on site.

Currently, 2 Semple Street is capable of accommodating up to 350 staff. However the proposed extension would provide space for 400 employees.

The building is the only Grade A development which will complete and be ready for occupancy in 2018. GSS said the updated plans would bring the building in to line with other office blocks in the vicinity, such as the seven-storey Atria building and the eight-floor Capital Square development.

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If consent for the extension is granted, it is expected the revised scheme would be finished in October 2018.

Paul Stevenson, GSS Developments director, said: "It is widely accepted there is a dire lack of Grade A office space available to rent in Edinburgh city centre and we are delighted that 2 Semple Street is on schedule to be the only development to be ready for occupation next year.

"We are seeking permission to add an extra floor as a direct consequence of market demands and to be able to provide a first-class fit-for-purpose office building capable of attracting a quality tenant who will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh's economic and social fabric."

Angela Lowe, senior director at joint letting agent CBRE, said: "An extra 5000 sq ft may not sound a lot but in a city where there is a lack of floor space it makes a significant difference in securing a broader range of tenants. We advised GSS that increasing the floor space will enhance the flexibility of the building and follows the example set by a number of other high-profile developments within the financial centre.

"2 Semple Street is one of only a few speculative Grade A office developments to be built in Edinburgh since the 2008 economic crash. If consent is granted for this extension it reinforces the message that Edinburgh is working hard to address high-level occupier demand and to drive economic growth."

(LM)