The Rosebery House office block is to be completely demolished and rebuilt into a ‘landmark’ development with the potential to house over 1,500 office workers by 2025.

3DReid has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to the City of Edinburgh Council on behalf of Aviva Investors and a full planning application is likely to be submitted later this year.

The development will also utilise technology such as smart applications and touchless technology to ensure the office is suitable as a post-COVID-19 workplace help working environment.

The new building will have over 158,000 square feet of space, Edinburgh Evening News reports.

Daniel McHugh, managing director of real estate for Aviva Investors, said: “This is a key strategic development opportunity for the City of Edinburgh and one that will provide much-needed new Grade A office space in one of the most sustainable locations in the Capital.

“The new Rosebery House is being built for the future, with every element carefully considered around its sustainability and we are committed to obtaining a Net Zero Carbon rating for the building’s operation.

“By fully utilising this existing brownfield site, there is the opportunity to maximise the new building’s potential and in doing so create a real focal point for the ongoing redevelopment of the Haymarket area and play a major role in its transformation to a major business destination.”

The developers also said the building would “improve and enhance” the Haymarket area and improve the links to the tram stop and cycle lanes.

Aviva has also assured the council that sustainability will be at the forefront of the design, with the architects focusing on a low-carbon building to be delivered with the lowest possible impact in design, construction and operation.

The construction of the office block will help Aviva meet its own carbon neutral target, with minimal car parking and maximised cycle spaces as well as facilities to promote active travel such as walking and cycling.

The developers have also said that the building will include “significant rooftop amenity space” with rainwater collected by the roof system and recycled for use within the building.