The Covid-19 pandemic has seen office workers across the UK switch to homeworking, and while in England some office workers are now able to return to their office, the extended lockdown in Scotland means that, for now, the majority of offices in Scotland remain closed. In Glasgow, landlords and developers have been preparing for the return to the office in a number of ways. The use of one-way systems, touchless entry and enhanced hygiene systems will soon be common.

However, some new developments in Glasgow are looking to use smart solutions to make further safety adjustments, as well as increase socialisation inside the office while maintaining social distancing.

A great way to do this is with the use of a workplace app. Workplace apps have previously been used for simple tasks such as booking meeting rooms and finding available hot desk space. But, in a post-Covid-19 world, their features are being updated and enhanced. Workplace apps can now check if capacity is low enough to facilitate distancing and reduce the amount of physical touch workers have with their office by allowing for app-based control of lifts, doors and security gates.

Some apps are even being developed to geolocate employees and inform them if they come into contact with a colleague who has tested positive for Covid-19. Office apps can also enhance the community within an office, which is more important than ever as most office staff have been working from home since March. This allows users to write posts and communicate with others inside, thus facilitating greater networking opportunities within the building both between teams and organisations.

At 177 Bothwell Street, the property’s existing intelligent building technology will be further enhanced to simplify how people use and interact with the office. For example, visitors’ mobile devices will be pre-accredited, allowing them to operate security gates and lifts with an app, while touchless, app-activated lighting will remove the need to physically operate switches.

Upon its completion, Cadworks will also have its own office app that will allow for control of the building as well as enhancing the community inside. It will do this by giving occupiers the opportunity to view the environmental performance of the building as well as link up with others inside to create groups such as cycling and running clubs.

Outlook: David Cobban, Director, Business Space, Glasgow.

Glasgow is attractive to many businesses for a number of reasons, and as a result, more high-profile firms are announcing or have announced plans to set up hubs in the city, spurring office investment and development.

Since 2018, Glasgow has seen some of its strongest ever take-up, and although Covid-19 has caused this to slow, there is still a significant level of demand in the city. Even with disruption from Covid-19, Glasgow’s H1 wider market take-up exceeded H1 2019 by 18%, and we are expecting total city centre take-up to reach circa 500,000 sq ft by the end of the year.

Glasgow’s development pipeline presents a strong opportunity for rental growth, and while the current headline is £32.50, we are expecting to see lettings complete at rents in excess of this, as construction recovers from delays caused by the pandemic.

The disruption in the market hasn’t reduced the number of requirements in Glasgow. However, we have witnessed the size of requirements fall, which will likely reduce the quantum of demand. Even so, demand is still strong, and many high profile companies are still looking to open offices in Glasgow.

If you have an enquiry regarding the office market in Glasgow, please contact our Glasgow office here

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