Argyle House Denied Listed Status Amid Demolition Plans
An Edinburgh building featured in the Netflix drama Dept Q, which faces potential demolition, has been refused listed status despite meeting the necessary criteria.
Heritage organisation Historic Environment Scotland (HES) received a proposal to grant listed designation to Argyle House, located at West Port, in December following the publication of plans to replace it with a "mixed-use" development.
Under these proposals, the brutalist 1960s block—used for exterior shots of the police station in the Netflix series—would be demolished.
This prompted a campaign to preserve the building; however, an application for listed status was rejected for a third time due to the advanced stage of planning applications.
Assessment and Architectural Significance
During the evaluation of the office building, HES determined that Argyle House met the requirements for listing as it represents a "major example" of a modern commercial building embodying 1960s Scottish Modernism.
Several factors were considered, including the deliberate design choices made to complement the historic surroundings, which include a principal view of Edinburgh Castle.
The blue flint panels on the intersecting towers were selected to emulate the dark stone of Castle Rock.
The lower range features a Blaxter sandstone finish reflecting the ashlar stonework of neighbouring 19th-century terraces.
HES also noted that Argyle House is a rare surviving example of a large-scale office set-piece from this era within a major Scottish city.
Many similar buildings have been demolished in recent years, including the Royal Bank of Scotland Computer Centre on Dundas Street.
Decision and Listing Policy
HES, responsible for managing the status of all listed buildings in Scotland, explained that they would not proceed with listing the building at this time due to the advanced stage of development plans.
The building was previously rejected for listed status in both 2007 and 2008.
In Scotland, listed buildings are classified into three categories: A-listed status denotes national significance, B-listed status indicates regional importance, and C-listed status is for local importance.
While listing does not automatically prevent demolition, it requires special planning approval, which is often denied.
Development Plans and Public Consultation
Plans to demolish Argyle House were submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council in November last year.
The proposals suggest replacing the building with a "mixed-use" development comprising a hotel, residential units, office, and retail space.
Public consultation events took place on 2 December last year and 28 January, including the launch of a website providing information about the proposals.
The case was presented to the Edinburgh Urban Design Panel in late February, and pre-application discussions are ongoing.
Ownership and Lease Details
Argyle House, constructed between 1966 and 1969, was sold to US firm PGIM Real Estate for approximately £38 million in 2023.
Originally built to accommodate local and national government offices, it now houses various firms.
Telereal Trillium, which leases the facility for CodeBase from PGIM, holds a lease on the building until 2033.
A document released as part of the consultation on the proposed redevelopment by developer Hendersonherd stated that the plans are being considered ahead of the lease expiration in 2033 "to ensure the site can be regenerated and continue to deliver economic benefit to the city."
HES Statement on Listing Decision
Patricia-Ann Young, communications officer at HES, commented following the assessment of Argyle House for listing:
"Our view is that the building is of architectural and historic interest and therefore meets the criteria for listing.
However, in line with our policy, we are not proposing a listing at this time because of ongoing development proposals. The full report of our decision can be viewed on the HES portal.
Given it has been 18 years since the last review, we carried out a new assessment, which has taken into account an increased understanding of the building type and this period as well as up to date information about the site."
