Green Investment Bank finalising move to new HQ

By ERIKKA ASKELAND
Published on 26/08/2012 00:00

THE Green Investment Bank (GIB) is expected to establish its headquarters at Atria One, the office building adjacent to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The bank has taken up temporary space at Edinburgh council’s headquarters at Waverley Court, where a handful of staff have already moved for the bank’s set-up phase.

The appointment of a chief executive is still “in progress” as the bank awaits the granting of final state-aid approval from Europe, which is expected in October when the bank will officially launch.

It is understood it is finalising the move to Atria following its completion early next year. Wealth manager Brewin Dolphin unveiled plans to 
take two floors in Atria One in February.

GIB chairman Lord Smith said: “We’re grateful for the assistance and support we’ve received, not only from the council but also the Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Financial Enterprise, parliamentarians and other leading figures from the community. Collectively, they recognised the unique benefits of bringing the bank to Edinburgh and formed an excellent partnership that presented a compelling case for the city.”

Scottish secretary Michael Moore said: “This is excellent news – I warmly welcome Edinburgh City Council’s support for the UK Green Investment Bank. Their provision of accommodation during the start-up phase will allow the UK GIB to hit the ground running when its Edinburgh headquarters open in autumn 2012.”

Mike Crockart, an Edinburgh MP involved with the campaign to locate the bank in Edinburgh said: “I am sure that as the team settle into their temporary home at Waverley Court they will receive real encouragement and support from the council as well as businesses across the city and throughout Scotland.

“Having the Green Investment Bank in Edinburgh will help us to establish the city as the capital of the green energy revolution, acting as a springboard for international low-carbon ventures,” he added.