Law firm Shepherd & Wedderburn has secured a lease for a unit in The Capitol, a landmark art-deco building on Aberdeen's Union Street. The Scottish-headquartered company will occupy a 5,000 sq. ft unit on the third floor of the 72,000 sq. ft category B-listed building.
High Demand for Premium Office Space
Property agent Ryden confirmed the letting, noting that only one of the building's 12 floors remains available for lease. The Capitol, located at 431 Union Street, is described as an "award-winning, high-end office space" that retains many authentic period details, including marble and granite finishes.
The building first opened in 1933 as Aberdeen's "most luxurious cinema" and also served as a theatre with full stage facilities, a Holophane lighting system, and a Compton Organ. After closing in 1998, it was converted into a nightclub in the early 2000s, which shut down in 2009.
Ongoing Upgrade Programme
The news comes as The Capitol undergoes an "upgrade phase" launched by owner DS Properties. The programme aims to "enhance both the buildings iconic street presence and its premium working environment." Targeted renovations include cleaning and restoring the building's 1930s Art Deco exterior. This follows a major revamp in 2016 that "seamlessly" combined the art-deco detailing with a modern expansion.
Arron Finnie, Office Agency Partner at Ryden and joint letting agent for The Capitol, said: "This letting reflects the continued demand for high-quality, well-connected workspace in Aberdeen. The Capitol combines a landmark city centre address with the flexibility and specification modern occupiers are looking for."
Finnie added: "As one of the city centre’s most recognisable buildings, The Capitol’s façade improvements will also have a real impact on Union Street, while its internal features are well suited to support business growth and attract and retain talent."
Other Heritage Revamps on Union Street
The Capitol is not the only historic building on Union Street to receive a heritage-focused revamp. Signs for a new bar called 'Allegro' have appeared at a former bank at 150 Union Street. This category B-listed building dates back to 1824 and previously housed the Moka Bar & Kitchen, which closed in 2024.
The upcoming venue, described as a "heritage-led" restaurant, is founded by Abi Williams and Temi Banjoko. It aims to "reopen it in a way that feels natural to the building" rather than completely reinvent it. The venue will cater to various occasions, including birthdays, graduations, and after-work drinks, with events like live music nights, social dining evenings, and heritage-inspired nights.
Meanwhile, the former M&S unit on St Nicholas Street, which opened in 1944 and has been vacant since the retailer moved to Union Square in 2025, could be demolished. M&S has not disclosed the reason for the plans but confirmed it will liaise with the community and stakeholders if approved.
