New partnership to inject £10m in Aberdeen Science Parks
Buccleuch Property and Scottish Enterprise have signed a new landmark deal that will see a further £10 million invested in two science and energy parks in Aberdeen.
A newly formed joint-venture partnership between enterprise agency, Scottish Enterprise and Buccleuch Property, will help transform nearly 155,000 sq ft of multi-let space within the Aberdeen Science & Energy Park and the Aberdeen Science & Technology Park which form part of the flagship Energetica project.
The joint venture, Aberdeen Science Parks LP, will deliver a number of key investment projects over the next five years including a second phase of the Energy Development Centre which will provide an additional 22,600 sq ft of workshop and laboratory space, and a Hub building providing much-needed central facilities.
As part of the joint venture, both organisations have committed a total of £10 million for future development of the parks. The Science Parks extend to over 70 hectares across two prominent locations and are home to around 120 companies employing 2,500 people in a range of incubator accommodation, larger office space and workshops.
It is also anticipated that in line with market demand, 25 hectares of expansion land adjacent to the existing Parks will undergo master-planning and be developed by the Partnership and be developed by the partnership for both owner-occupation and on a speculative basis as the market recovers.
The Science Parks are a key element of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future’s (ACSEF) ambitious Energetica project which aims to create a world-class technology development, leisure and housing zone north of Aberdeen.
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson commented: “This joint venture and the injection of investment will help ensure the Aberdeen Science Parks retain their status as one of the UK’s top locations for research, design and development. The Parks have played a pivotal role in Scotland’s economic development, particularly in the area of all energy technology.
“Scottish Enterprise has worked hard over the past two decades to develop the Parks as they stand today and we believe now is the right time for the private sector to build on that success utilising its commercial and business development expertise.”
David Peck, managing director of Buccleuch Property, explained: “Buccleuch Property along with our partners bring a wealth of experience and professionalism which will further enhance the parks as the preferred destination for either well established or start-up businesses within the science, energy and renewable industry to make their base.
“We are fully committed to making well considered and meaningful changes to improve the quality of service to create a thriving business community that adheres to the Science Park ethos of increasing the wealth and prosperity of its occupants. To this end we have commissioned specialist science park managers, New Park, who have wide ranging experience in this arena to assist in our delivery of these goals.
“Following the purchase and over and above the £10 million for future development, we shall be investing nearly £1.5 million into a programme of refurbishment of key buildings including boardrooms and improving IT facilities as well as a brand new dedicated web site with the potential of introducing an intranet facility to develop greater links between all occupiers.”
Tom Smith, ACSEF chairman, said: “The investment in Aberdeen Science Parks represents a real visionary step forward for the North east as it enters an exciting new era of energy. Aberdeen City and Shire is renowned worldwide for its innovations and it is crucial that we build upon this for the region’s future prosperity.
Further development of the science parks is a major step forward and integral to ACSEF’s Energetica project which aims to reinforce the region’s position as a globally-competitive energy hub by harnessing future growth and diversification into all sectors of sustainable energy.”
Buccleuch Property
Buccleuch Property is based in Edinburgh at 27 Silvermills Court, Henderson Place Lane, Edinburgh, EH3 5DG. Buccleuch Property represents the commercial property interest of Buccleuch Group and currently has assets of £350 million in both the UK and abroad. The core of Buccleuch Property’s business is within investment, development, international, land trading and residential.
ACSEF
ACSEF brings together the key players in economic development and the business community and sets the agenda for building the right environment and conditions for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity in the region through a shared vision.
The vision is for Aberdeen City and Shire to be recognised as one of the most robust and resilient economies in Europe with a reputation for opportunity and enterprise that will attract and retain world-class talent, high value energy organisations and those operating in niche markets. With improved accessibility, an attractive environment and the best hospitality, Aberdeen City and Shire will be one of the most interesting and enjoyable locations in the UK in which to visit, live, work and grow up.
To achieve this vision, ACSEF has an action plan with two over-riding objectives: to achieve a GVA of 2.5% and enhance Aberdeen City and Shire’s quality of life. These objectives are supported by seven priorities, identified by business, which when addressed will deliver improved quality of life and the continued growth needed to deliver the vision. The priorities focus on transport, planning, anchoring an international energy industry, attracting and developing skilled people and expertise, re-developing the city centre and attracting more corporate head-quarters.
The Aberdeen Science Parks are located on land leased from Aberdeen City Council and the first building at the Science & Technology Park at Balgownie was opened by Malcolm Rifkind MP, then Secretary of State for Scotland, in June 1989. The most recently completed building, the global headquarters of Hydro Group at the Science & Energy Park at Bridge of Don, was opened in June 2010 by Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister of Scotland. Although the majority of companies located at the Parks are in the energy sector there are also a number of important life sciences and software development businesses.
Energetica
Energetica is an ambitious project to attract and retain talented people and companies. It plans to create, over 20 years, a unique business environment based on the principles of low carbon dependency, drawing on the dynamism and innovation of the energy industry. Energetica will be a place where living, working and recreation merge seamlessly to create the definitive model of 21st century lifestyle in an attractive, high quality and sustainable environment.