Scottish Expansion for global research firm

Charles River Laboratories, the global clinical research company is expanding its operations in the East of Scotland with the opening of a new administrative office at Heriot-Watt Research Park in Edinburgh.

Brian Bathgate, Corporate Senior Vice President of Charles River said: “After an extensive market search we are very pleased to have secured Clearwater House for the expansion of our operations in the East of Scotland. The strategic location will aid our recruitment drive and we were very impressed with Clearwater Estates’ proactive approach to delivering accommodation which meets our needs within our required timescales.”

Mark Emlick, Chairman of Consensus Capital Group said: “We are delighted to be part of the success of the Heriot-Watt Research Park, which is one of the leading parks of its kind in Scotland.”

Heriot-Watt Research Park is the largest science park in the Scottish capital, covering 120 acres with 25 recently developed and plans to grow by a further 45, with the area billed as becoming one of the UK’s key hubs for science and technological research. The main focus of current tenants is on research, development, design, engineering, training, and prototyping activities.

Clearwater House was vacated by SEPA in December 2016 and has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment with an extensive overhaul of the accommodation and common parts to deliver flexible office and lab space available for immediate occupation.

Stewart McMillan, Associate within Cushman and Wakefield’s Edinburgh Offices team acted for the landlord Clearwater Estates. He said “Mark Emlick of Consensus Capital Group has a clear vision to deliver high quality accommodation to fit with the specific requirements of occupiers in the market and we are delighted to secure Charles River for the first letting at Clearwater House following the recent commencement of the refurbishment project.”

Situated within the Heriot Watt Research Park and University Campus, Clearwater House is ideally positioned for access to the M8 and is just half a mile from Edinburgh City Bypass and approximately six miles west of Edinburgh City Centre.

The park has excellent transport links including the nearby Hermiston Park and Ride and rail and tram links to Edinburgh City Centre and Airport are available at Hermiston Gait. Amenities within the park include sports facilities, international conference centre and library, business and commercial services. Hermiston Gait Retail Park and South Gyle Shopping Centre are also locate nearby.

The ground floor of Clearwater House is currently available to lease. It offers flexible office and lab accommodation spanning 22,000 sq ft and can be leased as a whole or to multiple tenants.