A new Grade A Edinburgh office development is the first building in Scotland to be awarded a cycling friendly accreditation.

The 2 Semple Street project in the city’s Exchange District, boasts a host of bike friendly features and has provision for almost 50 cycle spaces. A designated ramp entrance, separate from vehicle and pedestrian access, will improve safety for employees entering the building on wheels.

2 Semple Street joint agent Angela Lowe, Chris Stewart of Cycle Republic, site agent Gerry Mackie, Hunter Guest of Cycle Republic and Gavin Scott of joint agent Cuthbert White.

The 38,600 sq ft building will also have maintenance stations for cyclists needing to carry out repairs, male and female shower rooms, and a second wet-locker room with heated lockers to allow cyclists and runners to store wet kit and equipment.

The 2 Semple Street development has achieved the highest platinum accreditation from CyclingScore which rates buildings according to an official set of standards that determine a building’s cycle friendliness.

These standards were developed in conjunction with industry professionals, travel planners, tenants and executives in cycle orientated businesses and certification ranges from the highest platinum award down through gold, silver and certified status.

Paul Stevenson, GSS Developments director, said: “Edinburgh continues to make big strides in encouraging more people to cycle and we are playing our part by incorporating a number of cycle-friendly features in the design of 2 Semple Street.

“We believe we are setting a new benchmark for office developments which will make it easier, safer and more comfortable for those who chose to cycle to and from work.”

David Farr, managing director of CyclingScore added: “2 Semple Street in Edinburgh has become the first Platinum-rated CyclingScore Certified building in Scotland. This is a magnificent commitment to cycling by forward thinking GSS Developments at a time when Scotland is set to be on the cusp of a cycling revolution.”

Dan Gipson, store manager at neighbouring cycling specialist, Cycle Republic, said: “It’s great to see 2 Semple Street taking the initiative and making life easier for cyclists who prefer to pedal to work. The building will be a welcome addition to the Exchange District and its cycling and green credentials sets the standard for other developments in the city.”

The 2 Semple Street building is the only Grade A development in Edinburgh which will complete in 2018 and it is expected to be ready for occupancy in July.

Paul Stevenson added: “We have had a good deal of interest in the building from potential clients and the end-occupiers will be delighted that with the cycle-friendly features, car parking which is all electric vehicle compliant, EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings, that 2 Semple Street meets the highest environmental and sustainability standards.”