THE developer behind plans to build a new town in Aberdeenshire has appointed Turner & Townsend to project manage the first phase of housing.
Elsick Development Company (EDC) wants to create a community known as Chapelton 10 miles south of Aberdeen, starting with the construction of 802 homes and a high street at Cairnhill, the first of seven neighbourhoods.
Andres Duany, a global pioneer for new urbanism – a movement that builds walkable, mixed-use towns around the world – drew up the master plan for the £1 billion development.
Turner & Townsend previously produced a project execution proposals document that investigated delivery of the scheme. The team will now develop strategies for the infrastructure construction phase which will involve working closely with house builders and utility providers.
The project management and construction consultancy will also manage the appointment of a suitable contractor for the infrastructure works and manage the construction phase.
Director Neil McCowan said: “In this difficult economic climate it is hugely exciting to see such a major community development project bucking the trend and moving forward so confidently.”
Final plans were submitted to Aberdeenshire Council at the end of September. The Further Information Report (FIR) is the final stage in the development process and the developers are confident that councillors will be able to review the that document in the next few months.
Lord Southesk, director of EDC, added: “The appointment of Turner & Townsend is an exciting step in the progress of the plans for what will be a vibrant new urban settlement. With finance in place and the further information report submitted we are now firmly focused on the construction phase.
“After significant consultation and planning we expect to be on site early next year. This will allow us to begin meeting Aberdeen’s significant need for high quality housing by 2014. With up to 8,000 homes planned in the long term, as well as schools, community facilities and commercial space, Chapelton is set to be a major new Aberdeenshire community.”
