High Street, Edinburgh

Having been retained by VisitScotland as their trusted property advisors, for a further 3-year term. Graham + Sibbald have worked tirelessly to deliver tailored advice to VisitScotland. With a varied and diverse portfolio of assets and liabilities, we pride ourselves on adapting to the issue at hand and adding value to VisitScotland, where required.

One of the most recent acquisitions and projects G+S have been involved in was VisitScotland’s move to The Royal Mile, Edinburgh. VisitScotland’s Princess Street unit was no longer fit for purpose and guaranteed to be in a location of benefit for their customers, so G+S were instructed to secure and prepare a retail hub, fit for Scotland’s Tourist Capital City.

Approach

Having operated as VisitScotland’s trusted advisors since November 2017, prior to having our contract extended until 2020/21, G+S in conjunction with VisitScotland’s legal counsel Morton Fraser LLP, have established a strong and close working relationship.

Monthly meetings and regular client correspondence for over 18 months has established a deep understanding of the client and their requirements. Consequently, where we were asked to consider the opportunity of securing 249 High Street, Edinburgh, the G+S team had an absolute understanding of what VisitScotland were looking for.

G+S agency department and client lead, Mark Gillies, secured the property on a leasehold basis following negotiations with Edinburgh City Council. Once secured, Jared Neville of G+S Edinburgh Building Surveying Services undertook a Schedule of Condition prior to lease commencement and undertook the role of Employer’s Agent throughout the fit-out stage of the project.

Key Challenges

Securing VisitScotland with a suitable unit, on a good deal in this famous retail pitch was a challenging task. Furthermore, delivering our Building Surveying expertise, once the unit was secured, would present unique challenges.

Results

As Employer’s Agent, Graham + Sibbald’s Edinburgh Building Surveying department had to ensure that the client’s needs and requirements were met by the Design & Build contractor responsible for the fit-out. Regular site meetings were held with both client & contractor to ensure that works were progressing in line with the client’s expectations and specific timescales.

Utilising our wealth of experience and expert knowledge of construction projects, we were able to ensure that the client received a high standard of finish, with minimal issues arising throughout the project.