AECOM, the global infrastructure consulting firm, has become the latest occupier to take space at HFD Group’s flagship 177 Bothwell Street in Glasgow.
The firm has secured around 20,000 sq. ft. on the office development’s second floor. AECOM has the option to take more space as it continues to grow, through HFD’s flexible serviced offices offering within the building.
Set to complete in Q4 2021, 177 Bothwell Street will be Glasgow’s largest single office building. AECOM is the latest in a series of new occupiers announced this summer, with CBRE and BNP Paribas also taking the development’s ground and first floors, respectively.
Virgin Money had already pre-let half of 177 Bothwell Street, while HFD Offices will operate from another two floors, leaving just one available.
Specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers, 177 Bothwell Street has placed an emphasis on sustainability and digital infrastructure. The building’s energy will be supplied by Blantyre Muir Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire, ensuring it is 100% renewable from an identified local source, while it is also targeting an EPC rating of ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard.
The building is the first Scottish property to commit to attaining the new SmartScore accreditation for smart buildings and has already achieved a ‘Platinum’ WiredScore certification, a standard recognising that future occupiers will have the best connectivity available.
177 Bothwell Street will also feature a rooftop terrace and running track, 318 cycle spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and touchless technology throughout the building. An independent economic impact assessment concluded that the 313,000 sq. ft. development will generate £2.8 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the Scottish economy over 25 years.
Andy Barker, chief operating officer, Europe, AECOM, said: “Signing a long-term lease for the office development at 177 Bothwell Street reaffirms our longstanding commitment to Glasgow. The building’s terrific social and fitness facilities are an attractive benefit for our people and, with 100 percent of energy supplied by a local renewable source, the building’s environmental credentials align well with Sustainable Legacies, our ambitious Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. Office energy efficiency is a key part of our commitment to reach science-based, net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and the move to 177 Bothwell Street is one of the actions that will help us achieve this goal.”
Stephen Lewis, managing director of HFD Property Group, said: “As one of the world’s largest engineering and infrastructure consultancies, AECOM is another great professional services occupier to add to our growing list at 177 Bothwell Street. ESG concerns are significant factors for occupiers and the building is designed to support them in achieving their goals. Digital infrastructure is another significant factor, and we are continuing to work with AECOM to harness the opportunities of 177 Bothwell Street’s smart technology.”
Cushman & Wakefield acted for AECOM on the deal, while HFD was represented by 177 Bothwell Street’s joint agents Knight Frank and CBRE.