Project News
An exciting milestone reached as the transformation begins on site at Base, the former Younger Building
by AHR
We are pleased to share that work has now begun on site at Base, the transformational redevelopment of the former Younger Building in West Edinburgh.
Due to complete in spring 2026, the project will deliver almost 90,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. Base is set to redefine out-of-town workspace in Edinburgh, offering a modern, sustainable and flexible environment that meets the needs of today’s occupiers.
Reimagining a familiar landmark
The building, originally constructed in 1999 as the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters, has long been a recognisable presence in the city’s western business district. Now, working alongside Scarborough Group International (SGI), we are reimagining it as a contemporary, people-centred workplace.
Its location offers a great balance of accessibility and value, combining tram, train and motorway connections with generous on-site parking and lower occupancy costs than city centre offices, without compromise on specification or amenity.
With rising demand for energy-efficient workplaces that support health and wellbeing, our design philosophy embraces human-centric principles.
The result will be an attractive, inclusive workplace with the right amenities to help people and businesses thrive.”
Gurminder Sanghera
Director, Architecture
Smarter, sustainable design
The project prioritises sustainability and resilience, with a full decarbonisation strategy that will include all-electric systems, smart lighting, upgraded air handling and intelligent building management, aiming for an EPC A rating.
For the people using the building, this means lower running costs, better energy efficiency and a healthier indoor environment. For the wider community, it demonstrates how existing buildings can be repurposed to meet today’s net zero ambitions without the carbon cost of a new build.Inside, we’re transforming the space to foster collaboration, wellbeing and flexibility. A redesigned atrium, floor-by-floor breakout areas, a wellness suite to support health and encourage a better work-life balance, cycle storage, EV charging and smart shading all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
The building is set to undergo a major transformationA flexible base for growth
Our design philosophy embraces adaptability. The project will be able to support a wide range of employees, from microbusinesses and start-ups to larger organisations, with layouts that can flex from half wings to full floors. This flexibility ensures the building can evolve with its tenants over time.
Base demonstrates our belief that the most sustainable building is often the one that already exists. Through thoughtful refurbishment, we are unlocking the potential of this landmark building, delivering a high-performance workplace that is both future-ready and rooted in its community.
Discover more about how we reuse, reimagine and repurpose existing buildings to create new, sustainable spaces.
Frequently asked questions
We are leading the design of Base, transforming the former Younger Building into a modern, sustainable workplace. Our expertise in creative reuse allows us to reimagine existing spaces in ways that reduce environmental impact while meeting the needs of today’s occupiers.
At AHR, we see sustainability as making the most of what already exists. By retaining and upgrading the building structure, improving its environmental performance, and reconfiguring its spaces, we are unlocking new potential without the carbon cost of a new build.
We are targeting an EPC A rating through improvements to the building fabric and M&E systems, alongside energy efficiency measures and long-term adaptability. These upgrades ensure Base not only meets modern standards but also supports Edinburgh’s wider sustainability goals.
Our human-centric design approach means that every intervention prioritises flexibility, wellbeing, and productivity. By reimagining atrium spaces and enabling greater subdivision, Base can accommodate a wide spectrum of occupiers in an environment that helps people thrive.
We believe the future of sustainable design lies in reusing and repurposing what we already have. Creative reuse projects like Base demonstrate how thoughtful design can deliver high quality, future-ready workplaces while reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities.
Posted on:
Sept 17th 2025
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