Commercial Quay secures series of new tenants

Castleforge Partners has announced that it has secured a series of important new lettings at Commercial Quay following a partial refurbishment of the landmark office, retail and leisure development to create first-rate flexible working space for businesses.

Located at the heart of Edinburgh’s thriving Leith shore area, Commercial Quay offers high-quality office accommodation across four category A listed buildings. Since taking ownership in late 2018, Castleforge Partners has invested in the development to create unique working environments designed to service a range of occupiers. And as Leith increasingly becomes a destination of choice, Commercial Quay is being recognised as a premier business address for a growing number of sectors.

The deals recently secured for Commercial Quay include agreements confirmed with legal accounting specialists Alex Quinn & Partners for 3,786 sq ft on a 5 year lease, marketing agency Cello Signal for 2,227 sq ft on a 10 year deal, and Mercy Corps Europe taking 6,273 sq ft on a 10 year deal. Public relations and social media agency Sunshine Communications has also taken 1,721 sq ft on a 3-year deal.

Jenny Emslie, founder and managing director at Sunshine Communications, said: “Commercial Quay is an ideal fit for us. Moving here has enabled us to create the type of working environment we wanted for the business and our team, on a flexible deal. We love the development’s character and waterfront promenade, and the proximity to excellent amenities and transport links makes this a great area to operate and grow the company from.

“Leith has evolved into a vibrant hub which is now home to a community of dynamic and creative businesses that we’re thrilled to be joining.”

The tenants already based at Commercial Quay span a wide range of business sectors, highlighting the adaptability of the landmark development. Occupiers include: The Leith Agency (creative/advertising), Inova Geophysical (seismic instruments) Blonde Digital (marketing), Thomson Reuters (mass media and information), Royal Haskoning DHV (engineering, design and project management) and Ajenta (software).

Rachael Pittaway, of Commercial Quay landlord Castleforge Partners, said: “Leith is a thriving area that’s attracted an influx of businesses over the past few years so we wanted to respond to this trend of expansion by providing workspace that matched the calibre of the businesses re-locating here. We’re confident that – with space already let and significant interest noted from a number of prospective tenants – Commercial Quay offers outstanding Leith accommodation, spearheading the Edinburgh and regions market.

“We worked to ensure the development retained the character and charm of the buildings’ category A listed status, whilst providing high-quality contemporary accommodation that would be suitable for a range of requirements, regardless of the size or sector of the business tenant. We identified the requirement of flexible lease terms by tenants, so we’re excited to bring something fresh to the market including our ‘plug in and play’ option which provides occupiers with fully fitted-out space.”

Castleforge Partners also plans to enhance the space at Commercial Quay over the coming months to offer a new reception area, breakout space for business tenants, and on-site amenities which both existing and new occupiers will have access to.

Iain Taylor, Associate at Commercial Quay’s joint office agent Ryden, commented: “Leith has witnessed strong office take-up over the past 12-months and continues to be a popular business destination in Edinburgh. Commercial Quay enjoys a prime position with excellent amenities and transport links, which are only set to improve following the recent news that Edinburgh’s tram line is to be extended to Newhaven.

“With high-quality finishes throughout, the open-plan suites ranging from 1,750 sq ft to 7,250 sq ft available at Commercial Quay are a testament to the level of investment from Castleforge Partners, putting it on the map as a premier business address in Scotland.”

Ryden and CuthbertWhite are joint office letting agents of Commercial Quay, whilst Eric Young & Co is the building’s retail and leisure agent.