Edinburgh’s tallest office complex to get rooftop terrace and gardens as part of major overhaul

An Edinburgh office complex that houses one of the city’s tallest buildings is to undergo a major refurbishment that will add a rooftop pavilion and landscaped gardens.

Property consultancies CBRE and JLL have launched The Aspect Building, in the capital’s West End, to the market ahead of its revamp. Extending to some 60,000 square feet in total, the building has 26,307 sq ft of available office accommodation.

Owned by Cervidae and formerly known as Exchange Tower, the building is set to undergo a “comprehensive refurbishment” designed by architect dMFK.

A new steel-clad stair tower will form part of the changes at The Aspect Building, which also houses the main tower block shown to the rear in this artist's impression.

The works will “reimagine” the office suites alongside the communal spaces and occupier facilities, while also increasing the profile of the building. Construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Plans include enlarged dual entrances from Canning Street and Torphichen Street, landscaped courtyard gardens, a new steel-clad stair tower and refurbished communal areas throughout. Wellness facilities and secure cycle storage are set to further enhance the experience for occupiers, property experts added.

At the heart of the amenity offering will be “The Canopy”, a sixth-floor rooftop terrace and pavilion, in the section next to the taller main tower, available to all occupiers. With 1,292 sq ft of outdoor space and panoramic views across Edinburgh, it will provide a setting for informal meetings, events and time away from the desk.

Available suites will range from 1,313 sq ft to 8,181 sq ft, offering options for businesses of different sizes.

An artist's impression showing the planned rooftop terrace.

Maurice Roberts, senior investment and asset manager at Cervidae, said: “The Aspect Building presents an opportunity to give a prominent Edinburgh landmark a new future and bring something distinctive to the city’s office market.

“Our plans go beyond upgrading the office space. We want to create a building that businesses are proud to call home and that people enjoy working in, with welcoming arrival spaces, landscaped gardens and a rooftop terrace that makes the most of its exceptional views.”

Angela Lowe, head of office leasing for Scotland at CBRE, said: “The Aspect Building will bring a compelling new option to Edinburgh’s office market. Businesses are looking closely at what their workplace offers, from the quality and sustainability of the space to its ability to bring teams together and help attract and retain talent.

“This redevelopment responds directly to those priorities. The combination of Grade A accommodation, shared rooftop amenities and excellent connectivity will give occupiers a strong reason to consider the building as their next home.”

Craig Watson, director at JLL, added: “The rooftop terrace and pavilion will be a real point of difference for The Aspect Building, giving every occupier access to outdoor space with outstanding views across the city.

“Alongside the landscaped gardens, wellness facilities and upgraded communal areas, it will offer businesses much more from their working day. With Haymarket and the West End’s restaurants, cafés and hotels close by, The Aspect Building is set to combine the advantages of a central location with an impressive range of amenities.”

Edinburgh office market sees ‘flight to certainty’ as demand for fitted-out space soars