Glasgow’s Aurora powers on with SSE letting

Leading energy company SSE has secured 62,000 sq. ft. across four floors of Glasgow’s Aurora at 120 Bothwell Street, with the well-known office building recently reaching practical completion of its ambitious refurbishment project.

SSE will expand its Glasgow presence, with the space at Aurora adding to its existing office on Waterloo Street. The building is owned by Forma Real Estate Fund and is being refurbished in partnership with HFD Property, Scotland’s leading commercial property developer.

Aurora is providing 175,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office accommodation at the heart of Glasgow’s central business and international financial service districts, where supply of high-quality stock has been diminishing. With five pre-completion lettings agreed, 73% of the building is accounted for and there is already interest in the remaining space.

One of Scotland’s most sustainable offices, Aurora has achieved Net Zero Carbon, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ‘A+’ rating, BREEAM ‘Excellent’, and is 100% powered by renewable sources. The refurbishment of the building will also deliver a 77% reduction in carbon emissions compared to an equivalent new-build property.

Offering a range of on-site amenities, Aurora features a 4,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace, enhanced reception with flexible meeting spaces and biophilia linking a new café space, auditorium facilities, and a podcast studio. High-quality ‘end of journey’ facilities will encourage active commuting, with 200 bike racks and 21 showers.

Forma Real Estate Fund was represented by CBRE, while SSE was represented by MC2.

Ben Dickins, Head of Asset Management (UK) at Forma Real Estate Fund, said: “Sustainability is the core of SSE’s business and it says a great deal about the building’s credentials that the company has chosen Aurora as its new Glasgow base.

Aurora offers the ideal combination of market-leading green features and amenities, combined with an accessible city centre location. With practical completion achieved and a strong level of interest in the remaining space, we hope to announce more deals before the end of the year.”

Stephen Lewis, MD of HFD Property, added: “The whole concept behind Aurora is to provide what modern occupiers need from their office space – a dynamic workplace in a sustainable environment, with access to best-in-class amenities in a city centre location that you can commute to through a variety of different means.

Sustainability has been absolutely critical to the project throughout and, with that in mind; it is apt that we welcome SSE as one of the building’s main occupiers.”

David Tate, Director of Property & FM at SSE said: “SSE continues to invest billions into the net zero transition and to support this expansion, we’ve decided to enter into this lease at Aurora which is conveniently located, and only a few minutes’ walk from One Waterloo Street. Now that the lease has been agreed, work is progressing on developing a detailed project plan to ensure the new building fully meets the needs of those moving to it. Colleagues are expected to move towards the end of 2025.”