A property development and commercial leasing company is ploughing ahead with plans for a further 70,000 square feet of office space in the harbour area of Aberdeen.
Granite City firm Waterloo Quay Properties (WQP) aims to add the extra accommodation through new development on its existing site overlooking the Victoria dock.
It hopes to further tap into growing demand from firms looking to relocate to “a more efficient office location”, or downsize amid the oil and gas industry downturn.
Managing director Anna-Marie Eardley said: “We understand the market is difficult for firms at the moment and we are openly willing to have discussions with our clients and prospects to investigate ways to accommodate their short-term and long-term requirements.
“Some options we are already assisting with are for tenants to sub-let out part of their office space until things pick up again.
“The size of the site we have acquired here at the harbour makes it very easy for us to offer flexibility to businesses looking to downsize in the current climate and then expand again when the time is right.
“Our future plans include two further office developments, which in total provide a further 70,000 square feet of office space here available on the current site.”
She added: “In addition to our flexible office lease terms, we have also been working to create energy-efficient office designs, incorporating renewable-energy systems and high performance insulation into our new builds to help reduce our carbon footprint.
“While retaining the traditional granite facades of our latest buildings, the energy efficiencies will help firms cut down on operational costs.
“Iit comes down to us thinking outside of the box for our clients so that they can trust us to help them during this challenging period.”
WQP recently launched a scheme, Quay Life, which gives members 24/7 access to a range of office types, including fully equipped hot desks, as well as a PO box and meeting and conference room facilities, without the need for a long-term lease commitment.
Ms Eardley said: “The month-by-month payment scheme is a perfect option for young entrepreneurs, small firms or business people visiting the area who due to circumstance cannot commit to large office space, as well as appealing to people who work from home and miss the daily interaction with others.”
WQP’s current buildings include Atlantic House, Merchants House, Pioneer House, Navigator House, Voyager House, Nautilus House, Provender House, Ocean Spirit House, the Courtyard and the recently launched Horizons House.
