ASSET management giant BlackRock has relocated its Edinburgh office to a new building following a £48 million transformation by Robertson Construction Central East.
Situated on Brandon Street, Dundas House has undergone a renovation to create Grade A office space for 1,500 employees. The relocation from its former office in the Fountainbridge area increases BlackRock’s footprint in the city by 63%.
Robertson was appointed main contractor under a design and build contract in 2024 to carry out extensive refurbishment works to Dundas House, which comprised a two-storey listed Victorian building with feature frontage and four-storey extension added in the early 2000s.
The project introduced modern facilities including a new commercial catering kitchen, coffee shop, café and restaurant spaces, as well as flexible naturally lit workspaces, breakout zones, meeting rooms and a multi-use atrium. Robertson said the design focused on enhancing employee wellbeing, with quiet spaces and acoustic materials to minimise sound transfer and support the needs of a broad mix of occupants.
Gas heating was removed and replaced with two large air source heat pumps, which draw heat energy from the air and lower carbon emissions. These are connected to a network of air conditioning units that automatically monitor and adjust the internal environment.
During construction, Robertson explained that it diverted 100% of waste from landfill and reclaimed and reused materials wherever possible. This included upgrades to all four car parks, with existing surfaces lifted, restored and re-laid with EV charging installed.
Internally, bespoke joinery work was carried out for furniture, fittings and equipment, ranging from bleacher-style seating and reception desks to booths and a two-storey media wall. The building’s fabric also had significant work undertaken, with the external roof areas, curtain walling, windows, doors, stonework and finishes all improved and restored.
Robertson added that over 70% of those employed on site were local. 83% of the project cost was spent with a local supply chain, including £12 million with SMEs.
Elliot Robertson, CEO, Robertson Group, said, “Working with BlackRock on this project was about creating a workplace that matched its ambition for a high-quality environment for its people. Our team combined the preservation of the Victorian frontage with the transformation of the wider building to provide modern facilities and sustainable systems that improve efficiency and reduce carbon impact.
“We helped BlackRock fulfil its vision to expand its footprint in the capital. We also engaged local contractors, supported local charities, and kept neighbours informed every step of the way. Building relationships in our communities is key to our continued success.
“Dundas House has been delivered to the highest standards of design and functionality, giving BlackRock a future-ready environment to support its growth in Edinburgh and helping to reinforce the city’s position as a global financial centre. This project reflects the expertise we bring to every project and strengthens our role as a trusted partner of choice.”
