TWO PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS FOR AKER SOLUTIONS' HQ AT ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK

Abstract Securities and joint venture partner Aker ASA, have announced that Aker Solutions’ new office HQ – at Aberdeen International Business Park - has won two prestigious awards presented by the British Council for Offices and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The British Council for Offices (BCO) presented Aker Solutions' HQ with a highly-prized Corporate Workplace Award at its Scottish Awards ceremony on 16 April.  The development will now progress to the UK National Awards in October 2016.  

The BCO Corporate Workspace Award recognises exemplary standards in buildings commissioned by owner-occupiers, or where the building has been customised by a developer for the occupier. The winner was judged on the combined merits of its base build and fit-out. 

The building also won the Commercial Development of the Year Award at the RICS Scottish Awards. Again, the project will progress to the RICS Awards Grand Final in October 2016.

The commercial category of the RICS Awards honours an excellent commercial property development whether retail, office, leisure, industrial or mixed use.  

Abstract and Aker delivered three interlinked office buildings that extend to 335,000 sq.ft. of net internal area, comprising the first phase of Aberdeen International Business Park. The buildings are designed to accommodate up to 2,400 employees and include a gym, sports hall, squash courts, internet delivery room and a nursery.

Completed and handed over on time and on budget in February 2015, the project achieved BREEAM 'Excellent' and EPC 'A' ratings and was completed in just 77 weeks including a complex 'Category B' fit-out. The space was let to Aker Solutions in what is believed to be Scotland's biggest ever single office letting transaction.

The 40 acre office park is located immediately opposite the entrance to Aberdeen International Airport on Dyce Drive, approximately six miles to the North West of Aberdeen City Centre. 

Mark Glatman, Chief Executive of Abstract Securities, said: “'Abstract is delighted that Aker Solutions' new headquarters at Aberdeen International Business Park has been honoured by not one, but two major and highly prestigious awards presented by the BCO and RICS.  

“We and our architect Keppie Design worked very closely with Aker Solutions throughout the entire design process to create a superb working environment, with first class amenities, that satisfies the needs of the business while creating an ideal workplace/lifestyle balance for the staff. We are very pleased at the accolades given to the project by the BCO and RICS, which showcase our philosophy of delivering high quality, cost effective and sustainable developments.”

Main contractors on the project were Bowmer & Kirkland and the architect was Keppie Design. Other consultants included Turner & Townsend (project managers), DSSR (M&E engineers), Mott MacDonald (engineering consultants) and Turkington Martin (landscape architects).

For information on Aberdeen International Business Park, please visit www.aibp.co.uk

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