In brief...: Diversity for finance zone

May 9 2008

Diversity has become the buzzword for the heart of Scotland's financial district after the final space in Edinburgh's Exchange Crescent was leased out last week.

The six-storey building, sitting between Festival Square to the east and Conference Square to the west, was built by Cala Properties and AWG Property in 2000.

Costing £35million to build, it was sold to insurance giants Standard Life on completion - previously the only occupiers.

But Standard Life last week took on its fourth tenant in as many months - financial risk consultants Barrie & Hibbert.

Now it is hoped the range of occupants - including legal team Shepherd and Wedderburn and real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle - will breathe new life into the area.