The Big Four firm has moved out of its base in Albyn Place, and the new city centre location at Marischal Square will eventually be home to around 130 auditors, advisors, consultants and support staff.

The move has been carefully planned for several months, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, ended up being carried out whilst the majority of KPMG’s colleagues worked from home. Once construction works are completed later in the Summer, team members will gradually arrive at their new home over the subsequent months, in line with KPMG UK’s detailed health and wellbeing strategy.

The relocation has been designed to create greater flexibility, bringing teams together for the first time in one open-plan, collaborative space.

Martin Findlay, KPMG’s senior partner in Aberdeen, said: “We’ve called Albyn Place home for 25 years, and have some great memories here, but we’re incredibly excited about our next move. KPMG has been part of the fabric of Aberdeen since the nineteenth century, so we felt it was only fitting to make our next base a development which truly reflects the city’s optimistic future. Uniquely, for a KPMG office move, we have cleared out of the old office before our new one is ready.

“Clearly, following the coronavirus pandemic, our key priority is our colleagues’ health and wellbeing. We have worked closely with our people to develop our return to office plans and 80% of colleagues told us that, as things stand, they are comfortable to work from home for a sustained period of time. Over the coming months we will ensure that no one has to travel or return to the new Aberdeen office before they feel ready to do so, and we know that our teams are productive and working well remotely.

“However, to support colleagues returning to KPMG offices and client sites we will be providing return to work packs and equipment alongside detailed guidance and support. We will continue to follow government guidance and adapt our approach as required, but we anticipate that the majority of our people will work from home for most of 2020. The success of homeworking means that many may opt to include it in the mix even after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

“Having overcome the challenges recent events have created, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to their new home. For the first time, our various teams in Aberdeen will be able to work together on one dedicated floor, allowing far greater collaboration and flexibility. Our big focus will be on technology and innovation, developing a space that empowers our people and our clients to work together in the heart of the Granite City.”

Stephen Turner, regional director, Scotland, at Muse Developments, added: “We are proud that KPMG has chosen 1 Marischal Square for the next phase of its progression here in Aberdeen. Its presence proves that if the right property is available, world-class organisations will commit to a city centre location and the firm will further enhance the business credentials of the area.

“KPMG is a very welcome addition to our existing portfolio of clients and will further enhance Marischal Square’s burgeoning reputation as Aberdeen’s premier city centre office development. The Grade-A space on offer is proving very attractive to prospective occupiers and we continue to talk to organisations interested in taking their place alongside some of the city’s leading businesses.”