What is Base and what role is AHR playing in the project?

Base is a landmark redevelopment of the former Younger Building on Redheughs Avenue in West Edinburgh. AHR is the architectural practice leading the design, transforming approximately 90,000 sq ft into a modern, flexible Grade A office space. We're designing a workplace that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity and the wellbeing of everyone who uses it.

Who can enter the sculpture design competition?

The sculpture design competition is open to students at Edinburgh College of Art. It invites emerging designers to create a permanent public artwork for Base's main arrival point. This is a genuine opportunity for next generation talent to contribute to West Edinburgh's evolving identity.

What does AHR mean by thoughtful building reuse?

We believe the most sustainable building is one already standing. Thoughtful reuse means retaining the value of what exists while giving spaces new life through imaginative design. At Base, we're preserving the building's structural integrity while creating a vibrant, modern workplace that serves contemporary business needs and the wider community.

How does Base support West Edinburgh's regeneration?

Base forms part of the wider town centre regeneration strategy. The development unlocks new opportunities for local businesses and start-ups, modernises ageing infrastructure and contributes to long-term economic growth. The sculpture competition further enhances this placemaking vision, ensuring Base becomes a distinctive, welcoming destination.

AHR Office Base Architecture West Edinburgh 0353

Project News

Supporting the next generation of designers at Edinburgh's landmark redevelopment, Base

Min Read

by AHR

We're delighted to support a sculpture design competition launched in collaboration with Scarborough Group International (SGI) and Edinburgh College of Art, inviting the next generation of designers to help shape the new workplace.

Base is the transformation of the former Younger Building into almost 90,000 sq ft of high quality, flexible office space designed around people, sustainability and inclusivity. The building will support a wide range of businesses while creating a healthier, more welcoming environment for everyone who uses it.

The sculpture competition forms part of SGI’s wider placemaking strategy. The winning artwork will become a distinctive focal point at Base’s main arrival point, contributing to the character and identity of West Edinburgh’s evolving business district.

We recently welcomed participating students to Base for an on-site visit. The visit gave them the chance to experience the building and its public realm first-hand, meet our design team and understand the context for the proposed sculpture.

AHR Office Building Base Architecture West Edinburgh FINAL

A flexible workplace designed with people at the heart

We’re proud to be supporting the students as they bring their ideas to life through a project that reflects our commitment to thoughtful placemaking and the reuse of existing buildings.
Base shows how careful redevelopment can retain the value of what’s already there while creating a healthier, people-focused place for the future. Working with Scarborough Group International and Edinburgh College of Art, it’s been a pleasure to connect young people with a real project that will have a lasting presence in West Edinburgh.”

Manisa Mistry

Associate Director, Architecture

Supporting emerging talent matters to us

At AHR, we’ve built our practice by embracing fresh perspectives and diverse ideas. Collaborating with Edinburgh College of Art on this competition reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects and designers who will shape our cities.

This project also demonstrates our passion for thoughtful reuse. The former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters, first built in 1999, is being given new life as a people-focused workplace. Sensitive regeneration like Base ensures our cities remain vibrant, sustainable and genuinely inclusive spaces.

We are looking forward to seeing the designs emerge from Edinburgh College of Art. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on the competition results and exciting progress on Base itself.

In the meantime, discover more about how we approach building reuse and regeneration across our portfolio of reuse projects.

Frequently asked questions

: Base is a landmark redevelopment of the former Younger Building on Redheughs Avenue in West Edinburgh. AHR is the architectural practice leading the design, transforming approximately 90,000 sq ft into a modern, flexible Grade A office space. We're designing a workplace that prioritises sustainability, inclusivity and the wellbeing of everyone who uses it.
: The sculpture design competition is open to students at Edinburgh College of Art. It invites emerging designers to create a permanent public artwork for Base's main arrival point. This is a genuine opportunity for next generation talent to contribute to West Edinburgh's evolving identity.
: We believe the most sustainable building is one already standing. Thoughtful reuse means retaining the value of what exists while giving spaces new life through imaginative design. At Base, we're preserving the building's structural integrity while creating a vibrant, modern workplace that serves contemporary business needs and the wider community.
: Base forms part of the wider town centre regeneration strategy. The development unlocks new opportunities for local businesses and start-ups, modernises ageing infrastructure and contributes to long-term economic growth. The sculpture competition further enhances this placemaking vision, ensuring Base becomes a distinctive, welcoming destination.