A project milestone has been reached on work to build a new UK Government hub in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.

The seven-storey facility at New Waverley has reached its 'topping out' stage. Once finished, the scheme will comprise two interlinked office buildings providing almost 200,000 sq. ft. of modern Grade A office space, accommodating some 2,900 civil service workers by 2020.

The new offices will offer the highest levels of sustainability and operational efficiency, with employees benefitting from a contemporary design with added staff amenities including a landscaped roof area.

Reaching the topping out stage of the office hub also marks a significant milestone for New Waverley contractors McAleer & Rushe, who are on target to complete the commercial phase by summer 2019.

Delivered by Artisan Real Estate Investors, the £200 New Waverley development occupies a 7.5 acre site in the city's Canongate area and will includes high quality office space blend with restaurants, cafes and shops around a public plaza.

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Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Neil Richardson, Commercial Director, Government Property Agency said: "This new flagship building is part of our radical upgrade of the Civil Service, and will support a diverse and creative workforce as they make a real difference to the lives of people living in Scotland.

"The hub will provide high quality, skilled jobs right in the heart of the city centre as well as contributing significantly to the local economy. Alongside significant savings for the taxpayer, the roll-out of Government Hubs will provide modern working environments across the whole of the UK enabling us to provide the best public services we can."

Shane McCullagh, contracts director from McAleer & Rushe added: "This strategically important landmark building provides a spectacular focal point and destination for the wider New Waverley development. It's a challenging development to complete, especially considering its unique location at the heart of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage site, but one that is being delivered on time, on budget and with the highest safety standards.

"Now that we have 'Topped Out' the office buildings, the true mass, vision and scope of the entire New Waverley masterplan is now apparent, and it's a fitting testament to our team on site and the whole development team that so much has been achieved in a relatively short timescale.

"We are appreciative for this opportunity in the ongoing partnership with Artisan and very much look forward to handing over the completed offices to the UK Government in 2019."

(LM)