Scarborough Group International (SGI) has launched a high-profile sculpture design competition in collaboration with the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA).

The contest invites students to design a permanent public artwork for Base, a landmark Grade A office redevelopment currently underway in West Edinburgh.

The project involves the comprehensive transformation of the former Younger Building on Redheughs Avenue into approximately 90,000 sq ft of modern, sustainable workspace. The winning sculpture will serve as a primary focal point at the building's main entrance, playing a central role in SGI's placemaking strategy to establish a distinct identity for the evolving business hub.

To mark the launch, participating students attended a site visit on 8 January 2026. They were joined by the professional design team, including lead architects from AHR and engineers from Buro Happold, to explore the building's context and discuss technical requirements.

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Nicola Bulley, Group Marketing & Business Development Director at SGI, commented on the initiative: "This competition reflects our wider Responsible Business commitment as a group, combining social value with placemaking in a very tangible way. By commissioning a permanent piece of public art, we're using creativity to shape the sense of arrival and identity at Base, while working in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art to support emerging talent and contribute to the cultural life of the city."

The redevelopment of Base focuses on the "creative reuse" of existing structures to meet modern net-zero goals. Manisa Mistry, Associate Director at AHR, noted that the project demonstrates how careful refurbishment can create healthy, people-focused environments for the future. Erlend Scott of Buro Happold added that the collaboration allows students to engage with real-world design and engineering challenges.

Dr Marcus Jack, Director of Outreach at ECA, described the commission as a "fantastic springboard" for artists at the start of their professional careers.

The competition will now proceed through a shortlisting phase and further design development. The final selected proposal is scheduled for installation in summer 2026, with a formal public unveiling expected later that year.