Repurposing Parts of Netflix’s Dept Q Building for New Development

Argyle House, a building located in Edinburgh near the iconic Edinburgh Castle, is set for a major redevelopment. The new plans involve creating a mixed-use development that will include a hotel, residential properties, office space, and retail space. Designers working on this project have noted that some materials from the existing building, which was featured in the Netflix detective drama Dept Q, may be salvaged and reused in the new development.

The original 1960s brutalist block has often been described as one of Edinburgh’s less attractive architectural pieces. However, with the lease for the building set to expire in 2033, developers are looking ahead to regenerate the site and bring economic benefits to the city. A consultation document released by developer Hendersonherd outlines the intention to deconstruct the existing building in a way that allows for salvaging materials to reduce the need for new resources and lower upfront carbon emissions.

The proposed redesign of Argyle House includes artist impressions that offer a glimpse of how the new building might look. The document also reassures current occupants that the proposed redevelopment will not affect them until the lease expiration in 2033. Originally constructed to house government offices, Argyle House now accommodates various businesses and organizations.

Interestingly, the front of the building served as the headquarters for the fictional Lothian Police force in the ITV series Crime, penned by Irvine Welsh. On the other hand, the rear annexe currently houses tech workspace CodeBase and was used in the Netflix series Dept Q, which premiered this year. Starring Matthew Goode as Det Chief Insp Carl Morck, the show is based on books by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen, with the setting shifted to Edinburgh for the Netflix adaptation.

With Netflix confirming a second season of Dept Q, the future of Argyle House seems to be evolving. The tenant leasing the facility on Johnston Terrace until 2033, Telereal Trillium, is part of a new chapter in the building’s history. As plans move forward for this exciting redevelopment project, the potential for repurposing existing materials in the new construction showcases a sustainable approach to urban renewal.