£100m office community in the heart of Glasgow aims to be Scotland’s healthiest workspace

‘The Grid’ has been designed to providing 277,500 sq ft of Grade A space over 12 levels.

Developers M&G Real Estate says the project will be “a welcome boost to the city’s commercial property market and aims to deliver a best-in-class workplace, rivalling new schemes in London and elsewhere in the UK”.

Following planning consent in 2017, The Grid, will be built on the site of the former Corunna House in Glasgow’s Central Business District with the objective of meeting the needs of the modern occupier.

The Grid project has committed to securing a ‘Gold’ WELL certification from the International WELL Building Institute, and is aiming to be Scotland’s healthiest office building.

Typical office floors, ranging from 20,944 sq ft to 23,834 sq ft, will be accessed by eight destination control lifts and workspace has been designed to provide maximum flexibility and efficiency. The finish of the office floors is designed as a blank canvas, as the intention is to work with the occupiers to create inspiring space to suit their needs, whilst lessening the environmental impact of a fit-out.

A highly visible entrance is positioned on the corner of Cadogan Street and West Campbell Street and an enhanced public realm is planned with new widened paving, trees, seating, and a building drop-off point. To the left of the main entrance is a dedicated street level cyclist entrance.

The building has achieved Scotland’s second ever WiredScore Platinum rating, which is the highest standard in the market leading accreditationfor digital infrastructure, technology and connectivity of office buildings. The Grid’s access to superfast broadband and its agile working areas will enable mobility and enhance innovation for The Grid’s occupiers. Additionally it is targeting EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings.

William Badger, Asset Manager at M&G Real Estate, said: “Ways of working are changing fast, and so must the buildings we create. Workspace is one of the key contributors to staff wellbeing, and we are very excited to present our vision to the market. We believe we have created something that is truly special and unique in the Glasgow market.

“With a lack of new Grade A space in the city’s office market, as well as in nearby Edinburgh, we are confident that The Grid will attract strong interest.”

The Grid has been designed by renowned Glasgow-based architectural firm Cooper Cromar, with property advisors JLL and Knight Frank appointed as letting agents.

Demolition of the existing building is planned for later this year, with completion achievable by late 2021.

One of The Grid’s key features will be the multi-use reception, with a café and concierge service. This double height space will have dramatic lighting, co-working areas and breakout spaces as well as oversized stairs for informal meetings and agile working. The stairs have also been designed to double as auditorium/event setting, and even the occasional movie evening.

The top three floors have panoramic views from south facing terraces, which frame the unrivalled views across the city and the hills beyond. On the tenth floor, a private double height sky garden, provides a focal point for upper floor occupiers. At roof level there is ‘The Loft’, a communal business lounge and garden - an area designed to inspire, with space to meet, unwind and take in the view.

The Grid will have 63 secure basement car parking spaces with electric car charging points, six motorcycle bays and 320 cycle spaces. The cycle storage has been designed by specialist PFL Spaces. The changing facilities are of a luxury spa quality, with extensive lockers and showers, as well as a fresh towel service, drying and ironing facilities, hair dryers and straighteners. In addition, there will be a fitness studio for yoga and other classes.