Commercial \ Office Extension, Sunnyside Lane, Edinburgh

The former John Cotton Tobacco factory was constructed in the mid-1890’s and has been through a number of alterations, expansions and demolitions. The exterior of exposed steel frame, large industrial windows and brickwork makes for interesting industrial “collage” elevations. Manufacturing ceased in 1999 and in 2016 the building was converted into a business centre. It is now wholly inhabited by DJ Alexander Estate and Letting Agents and acts as their Scottish headquarters, housing 150 employees. Additional space is now required and we were commissioned to extend the office and provide space for another 100 employees.

The new three storey building takes the existing generous floor to floor heights and develops them on a plan which allows most of the parking area to remain. (DJ Alexander has a fleet of distinctive red minis used in their day-to-day work). The elevations are brick to Sunnyside Lane and render to the car park. Between the two materials is a large three storey window looking down the lane. Between the new and old buildings a new main entrance and a new access staircase is found.

The building was submitted for planning permission in December 2025 and we hope to be on site mid-2026.