Royal London appoints Bowmer + Kirkland to deliver new Edinburgh headquarters

Royal London has appointed Bowmer + Kirkland as main contractor for the transformation of its Thistle Street offices in Edinburgh into a new Scottish headquarters.

The appointment marks the latest major milestone in the project following planning approval for the redevelopment. The development at 1 Thistle Street and 2 Queen Street will comprehensively refurbish and extend the existing buildings, creating a high-quality headquarters in a prominent city-centre location at St Andrew Square.

The completed 108,000 sq ft development will provide Royal London with a modern workplace for up to 1,600 employees. Plans include a new auditorium, employee café, dedicated collaboration areas, two roof terraces and extensive cycle parking and changing facilities.

The project takes a retention-first approach, refurbishing and adapting the existing buildings rather than pursuing wholesale demolition and redevelopment. It is estimated that this approach will save approximately 1,400 tonnes of CO₂e compared with complete demolition and rebuild.

Works are due to start imminently and are scheduled to complete in 2029.

Peter Josse, Group Chief Operating Officer at Royal London, said:

"The appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland is an important milestone in our plans for our new Scottish headquarters. Royal London has deep roots in Edinburgh and this investment reflects our long-term commitment to the city and to creating a high-quality workplace for our people.

"We have deliberately chosen to transform and reuse the existing buildings rather than simply replace them. The result will be a high-quality modern workplace that respects the character of this important city-centre location while providing an environment designed around how our people will work and collaborate in the future."

Phil Bates, Construction Director of Bowmer + Kirkland Scotland, said:

"We are delighted to have been appointed by Royal London to deliver this significant project in the heart of Edinburgh. Thistle Street is an exciting redevelopment, combining the retention and refurbishment of the existing buildings with substantial new construction and fit-out works.

"We are looking forward to working collaboratively with Royal London and the wider project team to bring the plans to life and deliver a high-quality, sustainable headquarters that will make a positive contribution to Edinburgh city centre."

The redevelopment will return Royal London to the St Andrew Square area, where the business has had a longstanding presence, and forms part of its continuing investment in its operations in Edinburgh.