Port Hamilton

Originally completed in 1997 as the headquarters for Scottish Widows, Port Hamilton has long been one of Edinburgh's most recognisable office buildings.

Occupying an entire city block, its scale and central atrium offered enormous potential. But developers, Drum Property Group, recognised that changing patterns of work, sustainability standards and the need for a better workplace experience demanded a new approach.

For occupier, Lloyds Banking Group, refurbishment rather than relocation was the most sustainable and effective solution. The building benefits from a city centre location with good access to public transport and this upgrade means they can consolidate their team in one workplace.

MLA was appointed to deliver an integrated Cat A and Cat B transformation with a central ambition of retaining and enhancing the strengths of the original building.

The existing structure, façade and generous central atrium provided an excellent foundation for transformation. Embodied carbon is retained whilst creating entirely new ways for people to work, meet and connect.

Key design interventions include: -

• A complete reimagining of the arrival experience.
• Conversion of former retail accommodation back into high-quality office space.
• Creation of new floor area through the "Donut" infill, improving connectivity between the building's five blocks.
• New auditorium steps forming a social heart within the atrium.
• Upgraded wellbeing facilities throughout with provision of cycling facilities for active travel.
• New roof plant and a fully decarbonised building services strategy.

A defining feature of the project has been the simultaneous development of both the Cat A works and Lloyds Banking Group's Cat B fit-out.

Working across both packages has enabled MLA to create a seamless architectural narrative. From the arrival through to the workspace, client areas and executive offices, the design ensures an excellent customer experience.

This collaborative approach has also reduced programme risk, improved coordination and delivered consistency in quality and design throughout the building.

Alongside the wider project team, MLA helped develop a fabric-first approach. Combining retention of existing materials with significant improvements to the building envelope, glazing, lighting and mechanical systems, Port Hamilton demonstrates the value of retrofit.

Digital twin modelling informed key design decisions throughout the project, validating performance improvements and helping optimise operational energy use before construction.

The completed building is targeting: -

• BREEAM Excellent
• Approximately 60% reduction in operational energy use
• Fossil fuel-free building services
• Significant reductions in whole-life carbon through retention and reuse of the existing structure.

The transformation of Port Hamilton goes beyond improving environmental performance.

Designed to accommodate more than 10,000 colleagues across Lloyds Banking Group's Scottish operations, it supports new ways of working centred around collaboration, wellbeing and flexibility.

The revitalised atrium forms the social heart of the workplace. This is complemented by a welcoming reception, flexible event spaces, new social hubs, improved accessibility and premium client and meeting space overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

The result is a workplace that encourages connection, supports hybrid working and provides an engaging destination for colleagues and visitors alike.