Microsoft announce plans to move into Edinburgh's Waverlygate

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Some of the world’s leading technology and financial companies have expressed interest in renting space in Edinburgh’s former General Post Office after Microsoft confirmed it was to make the top two floors its Scottish headquarters.

The US-based software company recently revealed that it will create a "technology centre" at Waverley Gate to showcase its products to clients from across Scotland.

Raymond O'Hare, director of Microsoft Scotland, said: “If a customer wanted to see a new system we would have the technology available to show them."

Six other companies have viewed the building in the past fortnight, with several others expressing a keen interest. Leasing agents are confident another major deal is on the horizon.

Nigel Crump, a spokesman for the developer Castlemore, said: “We are talking to a number of companies at the moment. The first letting is always difficult but it was fabulous that we got Microsoft here. As soon as that was announced, it generated a lot of interest in the building."

The renewed interest has been a boost to developers who have waited for over three years to attract tenants since the building’s £100 million refurbishment was completed.

Mr Crump said: "There is a gathering momentum and we've had half a dozen viewings in the last fortnight – all of them either national or international names."

While Microsoft has leased 3500sq ft of space on the top floor and 8600sq ft of space on the fourth floor, there still remains more than 200,000sq ft of unoccupied space.

However, Ben Reed, director of the leasing agent Jones Lang LaSalle's office agency team, said: "There has certainly been a positive response to Microsoft committing to the space. Some companies are within the technology sector and that seems to be buoyant at the moment."

Meanwhile, Microsoft Scotland commented that its new Scottish headquarters will perform a similar role as the main UK headquarters in Reading.

Ron Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "Microsoft is a great anchor tenant. It is names like that that other companies want to be associated with."

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