BCO crowns Scotland’s best workplaces for 2025

19 May 2025

Held at the Grand Central Hotel on 16 May, the BCO’s annual Scottish Awards Lunch recognised projects that demonstrate the best in office design, fit-out, operation, innovation and sustainability, setting the standard for excellence across the sector.

The winners of this year’s competition in Scotland stand out for their unparalleled drive to innovate, as well as for putting occupiers and local communities at the heart of each development.

In its third year, the ESG Award continues to celebrate the achievements of offices that excel in responding to environmental, social and governance needs.

The BCO Regional Award winners for Scotland are:

• JP Morgan Chase Technology Centre, Glasgow (Corporate Workplace)
• Ovo Energy, Glasgow (Fit-out of Workplace)
• JLL, Glasgow (Projects up to 2,500m2)
• Aurora, Glasgow (Refurbished/Recycled)
• Aurora, Glasgow (ESG)
• The Edinburgh Futures Institute [Innovation}

The annual Chair’s Award for outstanding contribution to the property industry in Scotland, was presented to Clyde Gateway, which has radically transformed the face and communities of the district it has regenerated.

JP Morgan Chase Technology Centre, Glasgow, was presented with the coveted ‘Corporate Workplace’ Award. Originally a speculative development, Osborne and Company set out to create a high-quality office that would raise the bar for sustainable commercial developments in Glasgow. This quickly evolved when JP Morgan Chase joined as the primary end user, transforming it into a 270,000 sq. ft. technology centre for its 2,600 engineers.  This ‘vertical campus’ draws from Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, using biophilic design, natural light and a 400m² rooftop photovoltaic canopy to provide renewable energy. The Judges commented that this is a creative and inspiring vision, well executed by the developer and tenant in harmony.

Ovo Energy, Glasgow took home the ‘Fit-out of workplace’ Award. Consolidating its Scotland team into a centrally located hub, the company chose the Cadworks building for its sustainability and social impact credentials. The new hub was designed to bring colleagues together for ‘magic moments’ that are uniquely possible in a physical space, promoting interaction and wellbeing through a light, flexible, and fun environment. Warm colours, textures and art create a ‘resimercial’ atmosphere, with bold connecting staircases between the four floors encouraging movement and interaction. Sustainability was a priority in furniture and material selection, with a focus on using local Scottish suppliers. The ground floor café, open to all building users, serves as an inviting social space for the local community.  The Judges noted that they were struck by the welcoming atmosphere, clever space planning, and ingenious flexibility.

JLL, Glasgow was presented with the ‘Projects up to 2,500 m. sq. Award. This building exemplifies an agile, inclusive workplace that has achieved ambitious environmental targets recognised through both WELL Platinum and Ska Gold certification.  The office incorporates circular fit-out principles and smart technology, designed to net zero standards. Prioritising employee wellbeing and productivity, and focusing on daylight, biophilia, and air quality, the project also demonstrates JLL’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles by supporting local charities and hosting mental health workshops. The Judges were impressed by the emphasis on shared space and on mental health and wellbeing.

Aurora, Glasgow won not only the Refurbished / Recycled category but also the coveted ESG Award. Completed in August 2024 and featuring around 175,000 sq.ft. of prime office space, Aurora’s design responds to the continued occupier demand for refurbished office accommodation with excellent ESG credentials. The building delivers on user experience and amenity with 96% of the space already leased. Communal facilities include an auditorium space, podcast studio, fitness & health studio and rooftop terrace. The developer’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the building’s impressive credentials, including an EPC A+ rating, BREEAM Excellent, and a pre-assessed WiredScore Platinum and Gold WELL Building Standard.  The Judges commented that this commercially successful refurbishment creates high-quality, ‘best in class’ space with a core focus on ESG. A strong social agenda throughout the build period saw engagement with local foodbanks and several charity initiatives. 

The Edinburgh Futures Institute took home the Innovation Award. Breathing new life into the former Royal Infirmary after years of dereliction, the Category A-listed Victorian hospital underwent a nine year project removing extensions, carrying out extensive repairs and restoring key elements to their former glory. At the heart of Quartermile, the building provides a wide range of publicly accessible spaces as well as teaching, events and a café/restaurant.  A large new public square on Lauriston Place provides prominent access to the main entrance. The Judges remarked that this refurbishment is a truly transformational regeneration project with a visionary client and a wider social agenda.

The Scottish winners will compete for the BCO National Awards on 7^h October 2025.

Sponsors for this year’s BCO Awards are: AET Flexible Space, AECOM, Glamox, Troup Bywaters + Anders and Ryden. The media partner is Estates Gazette.

Peter Kerr, Chair of the BCO in Scotland, said: “A clear theme among this year’s winners is the intelligent and ambitious re-use of existing buildings, with four of the six categories awarded to projects that embraced refurbishment or regeneration. This not only reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, social value and good governance, but also showcases the creativity and adaptability of Scotland’s property sector. These projects demonstrate how existing assets can be reimagined to deliver outstanding workplaces.”

Donald Reid, Chair of the Scottish Judging panel, added: “We had some fabulous entries this year with a fully deserving winner in each category.  The judges were impressed with the commitment of the teams on each project to delivering exceptional workspaces.  We wish all of the winners the best of luck representing the Scotland region in the National Awards later this year.”

ENDS

About the BCO

The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.

Established in 1990, the BCO is the UK’s leading forum for the discussion and debate of issues affecting the office sector.

Its members are all organisations involved in creating, acquiring, or occupying office space, whether architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions, or public agencies. The BCO works to advance the collective understanding of its members, enabling them to work together to create more effective office space.

Media contact:

Lisa Mennie

Skylark PR Ltd

07825 225 414

lisa@skylarkpublicrelations.com