Scottish Enterprise provides new business space in South of Scotland

The proposed £2.4 million development will offer a mix of office and light industrial accommodation for let in Gretna, Lockerbie and Annan (GLA) for small to medium sized businesses.

Following a recent competitive tendering process, Scottish Enterprise has appointed UK-based Capita Symonds to provide a range of services to the project. This will include architecture, project management, civil and structural engineering, landscape, mechanical and electrical, BREEAM and environmental services.

Overall, the project aims to sustain and grow the Dumfries and Galloway economy, in response to the anticipated impact the decommissioning of Chapelcross Power Station will have on the local economy in the long term, and also maximise the inward investment opportunities, in particular the demand from the Carlisle/Cumbria business market.

David Byers, business infrastructure team leader at Scottish Enterprise said: “Research has highlighted a demand for small business space in the South of Scotland and we are currently in discussion with the local authority and private owners as to potential sites.

“The proposed new business space will be similar to the accommodation we already provide for innovative, growing businesses at Cavalry Park, Peebles, Ettrick Riverside, Selkirk and Tweed Horizons at Newton St Boswells, all of which have helped contribute to successful company growth over the years.”

The project is being led by Scottish Enterprise and jointly funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and ERDF.

It will aim to contribute to the Scottish Government’s ambitious low carbon emission targets by achieving a BREEAM “excellent” rating. It will also help reduce carbon footprint by selecting sites close to local amenities and services and provide short travel to work distances for the local work force.

Barry Pilkington, Operations Director at Capita Symonds said “We are delighted to have secured this important commission with Scottish Enterprise. As a major employer in the Region, we look forward to being part of such an innovative project, which will inject some much needed and timely investment into the South West Scotland economy”.