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.”