Charity to move into city office

AN international charity is to open a new office in Edinburgh.

Disability charity L'Arche is to move into the Sugar Bond development in Leith, a refurbished former bonded warehouse. It has taken a ten-year lease on 2500sq ft of office space.

L'Arche operates in 30 countries and is dedicated to creating communities which welcome people with a learning disability and those who live with or support them.

Site owner Highcross Strategic Advisors secured the deal after dropping rents to only 7.50 per square foot.

John Redwood, a community leader at L'Arche, said: "Next year will be the 20th anniversary of L'Arche working in the historic Leith area of Edinburgh and we have plans to expand the work we do with adults with learning disabilities.

"It is fitting that we will do so from a new office that retains our strong roots with Leith."

Iain Taylor, of joint letting agent Ryden, said: "It's an excellent move for L'Arche.

"The charity was able to take advantage of unprecedented market conditions to secure modern, DDA-compliant premises.

"Highcross's flexible approach in providing a lease package that worked for L'Arche, as well as undertaking their fit-out and effectively delivering a bespoke suite tailored to their needs, were key to securing this deal."