Montrose ZeroFour enterprise hub moves forward with appointment of key contractors
Crown Estate Scotland’s ZeroFour innovation hub at Montrose has taken a major step towards its aim of supporting clean, green economic growth in Angus and the north-east, by awarding seven key 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 a purpose-built, innovation park that will offer modern infrastructure, green energy solutions and facilities amid the beauty of the Angus coastline.
The construction phase will support a significant number of jobs and apprenticeships and, ultimately, ZeroFour aims to stimulate hundreds of new jobs, training and re-skilling opportunities, supporting Angus Council’s goal of creating greater diversity of employment in the area.
As part of this, 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 onboard, share our vision of making ZeroFour a key part of Scotland’s net-zero future.”
ZeroFour is well positioned to support Scotland’s renewable energy sector, given its location two miles from Montrose Port, 35 miles from Aberdeen and Dundee, and 12 miles from the nearest offshore windfarm.
Offering high quality, flexible space, with innovative, energy efficient design, 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, managing director for NORR said:
“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 takes into account changing needs for office, industrial and commercial spaces as well as considering 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.”
The land at ZeroFour has a long history of innovation, that dates from the First World War, and the development takes its name from the original runway call sign, ‘04 22’. Montrose Air Station was established in 1914 and played a vital role in securing victory during both World Wars. Crown Estate Scotland is working closely with Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre to preserve the site’s heritage.
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.