Derelict theatre in Aberdeen transformed into new business offices

Knight Property Group and M&G Real Estate celebrated the completion of The Capitol at their grand opening yesterday.

What was once a derelict theatre in Aberdeen, has now been restored to its former glory and will be used as offices, with the aim of bringing new businesses into the City.

Knight Property Group and M&G Real Estate welcomed guests at the grand opening yesterday, at 432 Union Street, with a red carpet and paparazzi in memory of the buildings past glory.

The building stood derelict from 2008.

Knight Property Group and M&G Real Estate made the investment in 2013, with the aim of transforming the unrecognisable building back to its former self.

The £30M investment will play a key role in transforming the fortunes of Union Street by bringing more people into the area to work. Aberdeen has struggled with a shortage of premium office space in the city centre and so The Capitol is a positive development needed in the area.

The original features of The Capitol have been kept the same, but over 22 months, both Knight Porperty Group and main contractor Andrew Cowie Construction have refurbished the canopy entrance and inner vestibule doors, art deco light fittings and clocks, pilasters and motifs.

The Capitol has 72,600sq ft of column free officer space, which could see around 700 employers working within the building. As a result, the local retailers, restaurants and local businesses will benefit from an increase in footfall in the area.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers and marketing agents AB Robb, Ryden and Savills are excited about the prospects of further lettings at The Capitol.

James Barrack, Managing Director of Knight Property Group said: “At the heart of the Capitol redevelopment is a desire to bring new life to an iconic but derelict building. Incorporating the old with the new, we have worked closely with the project architects, Keppie Design, to ensure that the building seamlessly moves from the 1930’s art deco front of house into the column free grade A office space in the back.

“I don’t think we appreciated at the time the level of damage which had occurred over years of neglect. The difference from purchase to completion is astounding. It’s a proud moment within my career knowing that we have restored an Aberdeen landmark to its former glory.”

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