PwC take their seat at The Capitol as Aberdeen operation makes office move

After more than two decades at Albyn Place in Aberdeen, professional services firm PwC has moved to a new custom-outfitted office on the top floor of The Capitol at 431 Union Street.

The ‘Big Four’ company is the first client to move into the £30 million transformed building which features a combination of modern design and a detailed restoration of the original art deco beauty from when the building was a theatre and showroom.

The listed building was previously a cinema, theatre, bar and nightclub before developers Knight Property Group and M&G began in 2013 transforming the site into a leading business facility for the city.

As part of the work, the original canopy entrance, light fittings, clocks, pilasters and motifs have all been lovingly restored, reflecting thebuilding’s historic past.

The original plaster mouldings and archway are retained within the basement of the existing property.

Kevin Reynard, office senior partner for PwC in Aberdeen, said: “This is a fantastic move for PwC into a modern facility with cutting-edge requirements for communications, office facilities and security but which also has a strong, successful and historic connection to the city.

“The move also reaffirms our committment to the area. We have had long ties with businesses in the vicinity and while others may ponder the future of the North-east, we are delighted to show the business community that our 15 year lease on The Capitol reinforces our comittment to stay in the heart of the city.

“And what a facility. For businesses to perform at their best, the infrastructure needs to be there to support them - and that’s what The Capitol does for us. It truly is a first-class working environment and with the view we have from the top floor, we’ll have an opportunity to see the city in a completely new way.”

PwC regional chair, Lindsay Gardiner, said: “Aberdeen is a key location for us in our regional network and this new facility allows us to show the community that we are committed and dedicated to the city. The new modern office space and new technology will reflect our modern ways of working and thinking with clients.

“It’s a fantastic day for Kevin and all the team in the North-east and I look forward to making many regular visits over the coming years, working with our clients and sharing in the team’s successes.”

Giving the office more character, the new offices are lined with quotes from popular songs and the locker area is decorated with replicas of vinyl records. This also reflects The Capitol’s background as a music hall venue. Indeed, the original Compton organ and associated instruments were still in place when the owners acquired the property. These were gifted to the Aberdeen Theatre Organ Trust.

Mr Reynard added: “This was one of the most popular things about moving to the new office, with people having input to the songs and lyrics used.

“Professional services offices often have a reputation for being a bit boring and we’re doing our bit to challenge that. We do a lot of exciting work up here across a range of industries and our working environment should reflect that.”

Creating a building that respected the original beauty of The Capitol while also being a functional, modern business setting was a challenge for teams involved but after 1,600 tonnes of steel and 2500m2 of glazing and a sedum finish on the roof, the building is now ready for business.

It’s also a very modern environmental building with an AC system that exceeds current environmental targets by 30 per cent, low energy lights, a Very Good BREEAM rating and water conservation system.

Howard Crawshaw, director at Knight Property Group, said: “The care and attention given to The Capitol during the restoration has been continued in the fit out of the top floor. PwC have created a spectacular working environment for their staff.”