CROWN Estate Scotland’s ZeroFour innovation hub at Montrose has awarded seven contracts to four Scottish-based companies.
The delivery team, which now comprises an architect, cost consultant, infrastructure engineer, landscape architect, principal designer, planning consultant and project manager, will work to transform the 123-acre estate into an innovation park that will offer ‘modern infrastructure, green energy solutions and facilities’.
The construction phase has been described as supporting a ‘significant’ number of jobs and apprenticeships and, ultimately, ZeroFour aims to stimulate hundreds of new jobs, training and re-skilling opportunities.
Crown Estate Scotland and Dundee and Angus College have partnered to inspire people of all ages to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities at ZeroFour.
The companies appointed are architect NORR, project manager and cost consultant Turner & Townsend, infrastructure engineer Cundall, and landscape architect and planning consultant Ironside Farrar.
Jamie Macfarlane, built development manager for Crown Estate Scotland, said, “Having this team in place is an important step towards the next stage of this exciting development. ZeroFour is perfectly positioned to support the burgeoning offshore wind sector and wider blue economy.
“We want to offer a great location for companies looking to create, innovate and thrive in the blue and green economies as well as those who simply want a greener and more sustainable base for their business. The seven companies, which are now on board, share our vision of making ZeroFour a key part of Scotland’s net zero future.”
ZeroFour will provide options for a range of businesses, from start-ups to research and development and large-scale manufacturers. Plans for the hub include amenity space and hotel accommodation with an emphasis on greener spaces and design features, accessible to the wider community, that enhance the natural surroundings.
John Baird, MD for NORR, added, “Montrose ZeroFour is an ambitious innovation park, and we’re delighted to be working with Crown Estate Scotland. As architects, we’ll work collaboratively with the key stakeholders and design team to develop a design which offers quality of space, flexibility in design, sustainability, and be visually attractive.”
Turner & Townsend has been appointed to project manage the ZeroFour development and will work with Crown Estate Scotland to create a flexible masterplan which considers changing needs for office, industrial and commercial spaces as well as the needs of technology, enterprise, research and development firms.
Scott Adams, senior project manager for Turner & Townsend, said, “We’re very excited to be working with Crown Estate Scotland to deliver their exciting vision for Montrose ZeroFour. This development will provide valuable jobs and opportunities for the local town of Montrose as well as the wider Angus area within the green and marine-based economy sectors.
“As well as providing both project and cost management support, we’re looking forward to working closely with the local community as well as with the design team to create a really vibrant hub.”
It is expected that preparation and infrastructure will start in winter 2022/2023 and serviced plots will be ready for business to access from 2023.
