Total headcount at the subsidiary of investment manager Downing has nearly trebled in the past two years as its pipeline of renewable energy developments in the UK has grown and it has started operations in the Nordics.

DRD is now based at the McLellan Works building on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street, which runs on 100% renewable energy and targets net zero carbon.

DRD was set up by Downing, which has £920 million assets under management in the core renewables space, to develop a new pipeline of solar PV, battery energy storage and onshore wind assets across the UK. It was recently awarded planning consent for a 49.9 MW solar farm in Norfolk, part of its 6GW pipeline of development projects across the UK.

Tony Gannon, head of Downing Renewable Developments said: “Downing is delighted to have secured our new Glasgow office at McLellan Works, which provides the space and flexibility we require in order to accommodate our significant growth in Glasgow to date, along with meeting our future anticipated growth requirements. Downing also welcomes McLellan Works commitment to sustainability, which aligns with our own commitments.”

Meg Beattie of JLL added: “We are delighted to secure Downing as a tenant for the 5,249 sq ft third floor space. This deal not only brings a high-quality tenant to the building but also aligns perfectly with McLellan Works ethos. The back-to-back nature of the transaction, which repurposed elements of the previous tenant’s fit-out, complements McLellan Works commitment to sustainability.”

Bywater Properties were represented by joint agents, JLL and Adapt Commercial Property with Addleshaw Goddard acting as their solicitor.