At the grand opening of the building last week, guests were greeted to one last cinematic experience before the building begins operating as an office.

From a cinema, to a theatre and latterly a bar and night club, The Capitol theatre closed its doors in 2008. Laying derelict until Knight Property Group and M&G made the purchase in 2013, the building was left in a state of disrepair. Suffering from years of neglect, the iconic art deco building was left unrecognisable suffering from vandalism and the ingress of water.

Keeping The Capitol’s original features within the front of house was a high priority. Over the 22 month period, both Knight Property Group and main contractor Andrew Cowie Construction worked to ensure that the building was restored to its former glory, refurbishing the canopy entrance and inner vestibule doors, art deco light fittings and clocks, pilasters and motifs.

James Barrack, managing director of Knight Property Group, said: “At the heart of the Capitol redevelopment is a desire to bring new life to an iconic but derelict building. Incorporating the old with the new, we have worked closely with the project architects, Keppie Design, to ensure that the building seamlessly moves from the 1930’s art deco front of house into the column free grade A office space in the back.

“I don’t think we appreciated at the time the level of damage which had occurred over years of neglect. The difference from purchase to completion is astounding. It’s a proud moment within my career knowing that we have restored an Aberdeen landmark to its former glory.”

The top floor has been pre-let to Pricewaterhouse Coopers.