Edinburgh International plan boasts £4.4 billion potential for Scottish economy

A plan to transform a key development zone around Edinburgh airport into a global centre for transport and international business could inject up to £4.4 billion into Scotland’s economy, it was announced today, 14 July 2011 by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth.

A detailed plan for the zone, now branded Edinburgh International, has been published and details an ambitious £33 million joint scheme of transport, water, power and landscape infrastructure works that will pave the way for a world class business and transport hub.

It is estimated that development of the zone could create up to 3,600 new jobs across Scotland, support the nation’s key business sectors, attract significant inward investment and support greater international trade.

The Edinburgh International Development Partnership has developed a detailed vision and consensus on the expansion of Edinburgh Airport, development of an International Business Gateway and the £30 million redevelopment of the Royal Highland Centre to create a world-class event space and centre of excellence for rural enterprise, agriculture and primary industries.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:

"Scottish Ministers are pleased to endorse the West Edinburgh Implementation Plan. Whilst this is not a commitment to future funding from the Scottish Government, the partnership approach to preparing the Implementation Plan is a positive example of what can be achieved to facilitate long term growth despite the difficult economic climate. We wish the Edinburgh International Development Partnership every success in delivering the vision for West Edinburgh"

Lena Wilson, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, said:

“Edinburgh International is one of Scotland’s most important economic development zones. Ambitious proposals such as this demand rigorous planning and we have been working with our partners to facilitate an implementation plan that will help pave the way for the transformation of the West of Edinburgh into one of Scotland’s key centres of commerce and connectivity.”

Kevin Brown, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport, said: “This is a significant step for the whole of Scotland, not just the Capital. We work hard at growing and developing our airport and destinations and providing the gateway Scotland can be proud of. By fulfilling this role as part of a wider collaboration in Edinburgh International, we can be part of delivering some very real economic benefits for the country.”

Cllr Tom Buchanan, Convener of Economic Development at City of Edinburgh Council said: "The west of Edinburgh has long acted as a gateway to Edinburgh - but also to Scotland - and so it makes absolute sense for us to work together in ensuring we maximise the area's potential. This implementation plan is the first step towards realising our vision for 'Edinburgh International', which, once realised, will contribute a huge amount to both the local and national economies for decades to come."

Realising Edinburgh Airport’s growth potential is widely recognised as being key to maximising the competitiveness of Edinburgh and Scotland on the world stage. Sustained investment between 2011 and 2020 will deliver improvements that will allow the airport to accommodate up to 13 million passengers.

Plans to develop an International Business Gateway on a reserve of land between the airport and RBS headquarters boast significant economic potential. With the physical capacity to accommodate up to 500,000 sqm of high quality business accommodation, the district is expected to include hotel and conference facilities and potentially a multi-use venue/arena.

Plans to enhance Scotland’s National Showground have already been approved and will build on the existing Royal Highland Centre’s considerable economic impact, currently estimated in the region of £250 million, by boosting its potential to compete nationally and internationally for a wide range of events. The Royal Highland Centre currently attracts in the region of one million visitors each year.