Occupying a prominent location at 20 Castle Terrace, Saltire Court comprises over 180,000 sq ft of predominantly Grade A office accommodation across seven floors, as well as housing restaurant and lounge Dine and the Traverse Theatre.

The refurbishment of the atria and lift lobbies was undertaken by asset management firm Advance RE Development Co. Ltd, part of a parent group headquartered in Dubai and established by Mr Abdulaziz AlRashed, along with a comprehensive rebranding project to modernise the building in line with the latest workplace trends.

At the hub of Saltire Court is its five-story high entrance space, which has been transformed into a bright and modern concourse comprising twin atria and a stylish new reception area.

The interior offers an architectural nod to the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle - visible through many of its windows – while crisp white walls, greenery, muted granite, and a combination of natural and luminous lighting aim to offer visitors a sense of wellbeing. Overhead walkways and internal windows on each floor give the impression of openness and connectivity between people – a concept which the renovation aims to capture.

The second atrium to the rear of the building houses the calm internal Winter Garden area as well as a 5.5m wide by 3m high screen, thought to be the largest available to the public within an office building in the city. Saltire Court plans to use the Winter Garden as a hub for its own cultural programme of events, including screenings, art exhibitions and book launches.

Lift lobbies and break out areas throughout the building have been fully revitalised, with comfortable seating and soft lighting to provide places for employees to relax, hold informal meetings, and encourage casual networking.

On a practical level, the refurbishment has seen the installation of cycle racks in the basement which can accommodate up to 49 bikes, while those who cycle or run to work will also benefit from immaculate new shower facilities, heated changing rooms, a drying room for wet clothing, and 80 secure lockers.

Stewart Taylor at commercial property consultancy CBRE, which is marketing the building, said: “A landmark in Edinburgh’s office market, Saltire Court is architecturally and geographically situated at the interchange of the city’s Old and New Towns. The refurbishment aims to reflect this, retaining the building’s unique internal features but breathing some new life into the communal areas to align them with the expectations of the next generation of office-workers. At the heart of the concept is the 21st century co-working and collaborative culture that we are increasingly seeing in the workplace, with spaces that allow for openness and connectivity between people and organisations a key element of the renovation.

“Instilling a sense of wellbeing is also at the forefront of the design, with spaces that are calm, comfortable and energising, while there is provision of first-class facilities for those cycling and running to work.”