This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New home bought for public bodies
01/06/2006
The purchase of a flagship environmental building in Inverness that is to become the new home to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) was announced today.
The newly completed Great Glen House, a £13 million development by builders Robertson Property which has secured the highest environmental rating ever achieved in the UK, has been purchased rather than leased.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"The Scottish Executive has set out clear priorities in learning to live sustainably and responding to the challenges of climate change.
"SNH has an important role to play in shaping our future by working to protect Scotland's environment. Great Glen House has secured the highest environmental rating of any building in the UK. "
"The decision to buy the building is good for the Scottish taxpayer. It will save almost £4 million over a 30 year period and brings into public ownership a building of which Scotland can be truly proud; an example of sustainable development that sets the highest standards for 21st century property procurement."
"Following some operational fit-out work, SNH will start to move staff in towards the end of the month with most staff in place by the end of July, ahead of the official opening later in the summer. The Deer Commission for Scotland is expected to move into the building in the autumn.
"The co-location of SNH and DCS in Great Glen House is a positive demonstration of commitment to joined-up working across the public sector."
The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) is the construction industry benchmark for environmental buildings. Great Glen House, at Westercraigs overlooking the city of Inverness, achieved a score of 84 per cent, confirmed by BRE as the highest score ever achieved
by any building in the UK since the system was introduced in 1998.
Achieving an "Excellent" rating under the BREEAM system was one of seven environmental and sustainability criteria set by SNH at the contract tendering stage. The winning tender by Robertson property working with Keppie Design and environmental consultants URS, met all the criteria, and was confirmed as the successful bid in October 2004.
While essentially SNH's main corporate office, and to become the Headquarters location for DCS, it is also intended that the Inverness community should be able to make use of the magnificent atrium in Great Glen House for special events. It will also have a significant part to play in the 2007 Scottish Year of Highland Culture.
A total of 109 SNH staff opted for redundancy over relocation. Total redundancy costs associated with the move are expected to be around £7 million. This covers all redundancy related costs through to 2019. This is against an original estimate of £8.266 million, which is included within the £27 million budget.
The agreed lease cost of the new building was £16.782 million with a purchase option at £12.826 million, both exclusive of VAT.