NFU Mutual has commenced a major programme of works to transform a high profile office development in Edinburgh’s city centre.

On completion at the end of 2018, 80 George Street will provide up to 40,585 sq ft (3,770 sq m) of Grade A office accommodation over six levels with floorplates of approximately 8,000 sq ft. It is one of only two major office development projects to complete in Edinburgh city centre this year.

80 George Street is a well-known building which occupies an enviable location in the centre of one of Edinburgh’s best known streets. The building has a spacious terrace on the sixth floor level with unrivalled panoramic views across the city, taking in Edinburgh Castle to the south and Queen Street Gardens to the north.

Completing in December 2018, the £4 million programme will include a comprehensive refurbishment and enhancement of the main entrance and reception, common parts and external fabric.

The office suites will be refurbished to open plan space with high quality finishes throughout, new linear plank ceilings and integrated lighting. Floors 1 and 2 will be finished with a de-furbished ceiling approach. The M&E services will also be replaced throughout.

The basement will be overhauled to include new wide-ranging health and wellbeing facilities. These include high powered showers and gym-style changing areas, lockers, a drying room and a dedicated cycle store area with 30 racks and a deluxe repair station.

Occupiers can benefit from lower energy costs with EPC ‘B’ and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings on target to be achieved.

Anne Hurrell, NFU Mutual asset manager, said: “The current demand for high quality Grade A office space in Edinburgh gave us the confidence to invest in a significant refurbishment project at 80 George Street. We are excited by the plans for the scheme and are looking forward to seeing the new and improved building take shape as the works progress.”

Property advisor JLL has been appointed as the sole letting agent.

Ben Reed, director of JLL in Edinburgh, said: “The building is undergoing a complete transformation including a stunning renovation of the reception area, office floorplates and common parts. It has been designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce and is situated in a highly desirable location within the city. The spectacular roof terrace on the 6th floor with panoramic views across the city provides an inspiring backdrop to the workplace.

“Edinburgh currently has a severe supply shortage with only one new build development available and expected to complete before 2020. 80 George Street is therefore ideally placed to capitalise on the lack of supply. We are confident this, coupled with the building’s flexible floorplates, close proximity to an endless list of amenities and unrivalled views of the city, will ensure it attracts a great deal of interest from occupiers looking for space in central Edinburgh.”

The project team includes building contractor akp Scotland, architect Michael Laird Associates and project manager PSK.

George Dillet, akp Scotland business unit manager, added: “This prestigious project award for akp in Edinburgh emphasises what we are about and the work ethic we champion - building pride. The akp team has worked on numerous listed buildings and properties of special interest and this contract award follows on from the extensive refurbishment and fit-outs completed on other buildings.”