SLR Consulting, has moved into a new 175-person office at The Tun in Edinburgh following a number of business acquisitions.
The move will see SLR, OPEN and ITPEnergised all working from a single base and in a better position than ever to support new and existing clients and projects in the region.
The latest acquisition, well-known environmental consultancy Wardell Armstrong, will also be moving into the office in the first part of next year.
European shared services director at SLR, Richard Johnson, said: “This new office marks an exciting time for SLR as we bring four businesses into one location, driving the ‘One Team’ culture that is so important to our company. We initially viewed the space more than two years ago and have since put together and implemented a design vision which we feel will get the most out of the business and enhance growth.
“With collaboration at the heart of this move we have set the office – which sits directly adjacent to the Scottish Parliament – out in a way which will see the joining up of various disciplines to further extend our service offering to clients.
“The office itself very much aligns with our sustainability values too, featuring an energy efficient design, sustainable transport links and bike racks for those that choose to cycle into work. Those visiting the space can also enjoy beautiful views of greenery with the office overlooking the popular Holyrood Park.”
SLR has already undertaken a number of high-profile projects in the Scottish capital, including Shawfair – one of Scotland’s largest master planning projects – and Edinburgh’s Quartermile, which has created a new and connected area of city centre that had previously been closed off since the early parts of the previous century. The latter being a project which SLR oversaw from the early concept stages through to completion on site.
Dougie Flett, director of architecture at SLR, and who designed the office space, said: “The building itself was designed over 20 years ago on the site of a former brewery, because of this, the lay out is totally unique. Its quirky features and exposed concrete differentiate it from a typical grade A office space and we were able to create a clean flexible working environment that really lets the fabric of the building shine through.
“From a sustainability standpoint, we were also able to take with us from our previous office most of our bespoke timber bench desks, which were originally built using wind-blown trees from across Edinburgh’s city parks. Leftover timber was then used to create our new reception desk and staff kitchen.”
In a bid to reduce unnecessary waste and raise money for a worthwhile cause, SLR sold surplus furniture from its previous offices and will be donating all the proceedings to a local charity.
SLR specialises in a number of sectors, including the built environment, renewables and energy, and mining and minerals. The team is made up of expert advisers and technicians who have experience in tackling the world’s most complex sustainability issues. Initially starting out as a UK business 30 years ago, it now operates worldwide with more than 4,400 people delivering client solutions across six regions.
