The Government Property Agency has announced the start of fit-out work at the future home of Great British Energy in Aberdeen.
Staff at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-owned company will move into their new base at the Marischal Square development by the end of this year, following the internal upgrade work and remodelling, which is set to take place over the summer.
GBE is tasked with delivering the government’s mission of making the UK a clean-energy “superpower” and its new HQ will host main corporate functions , supply chain activities, and planning for major development projects, such as deep-water offshore wind.
GBE will occupy around 780sq m of office space at the development. The company expects to have a headcount of some 300 in five years time. Of those employees, roughly 200 are expected to be based in Aberdeen.
Existing tenants at Marischal Square include Chevron UK, Peterson Energy Logistics, infrastructure specialist North Sea Midstream Partners, the North Sea Transition Authority and Royal Bank of Scotland – as well as consultancy giants EY and KPMG.
Photo: GPA
Marischal Square comprises two main buildings and opened around eight years ago. The GPA is responsible for the lease and management of GBE’s headquarters.
It said the fit-out work will modify the layout of the existing space, with the addition of a reception area and meeting rooms. Lighting and ventilation systems will also be upgraded and the office will be redecorated and recarpeted.
GPA chief executive officer Mark Bourgeois said the start of fit-out works was “an important step” in the agency’s mission to establish a secure, modern and high-quality office in the heart of Aberdeen.
“Once completed, this project will provide a corporate headquarters that supports GBE’s requirements and the performance of its employees,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with GBE and our professional partners as we progress the Marischal Square development.”
GBE chief executive officer Dan McGrail added: “Aberdeen is the perfect location for Britain’s publicly-owned energy company. It is a world- leading energy hub and has been crucial to our energy security for decades. We are all looking forward to this work being completed and moving into our permanent headquarters in Marischal Square.”