The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Office plan could create 1,000 jobs
Property developer Goodman has submitted detailed plans to Aberdeen City Council to create a thriving new business community in Dyce.
Goodman says that if its application is approved, as many as 1,000 jobs could be accommodated at the development.
The firm hopes to start work on the site, City North Aberdeen, as early as this summer.
It would be the latest stage of the redevelopment of 30 acres of land that were previously home to BP’s North Sea operations.
Plans for the new scheme, already approved in principle, include three new office buildings of 25,700 square feet, 30,700sq ft and 45,300sq ft.
Niall McGilp, regional development director for Goodman in Scotland, said: “Strong demand for office space in Aberdeen continues to be constrained by a lack of supply and this speculative build would, if approved, create accommodation for more than 1,000 people.
“We’ve been working closely with the architects, Keppie Design, to produce a bold plan to deliver an attractive, landscaped commercial development which would continue the transformation of the area.
“Demolition work for the previous buildings is now nearing completion and we hope that our detailed plans to breathe new life into this key site will be approved by the council.”
Andrew Smith at marketing agent Ryden, said: “The buildings have been designed with maximum flexibility and energy efficiency in mind, with floor space largely free of supporting columns, meaning businesses will be able to adapt to changing needs.
“City North Aberdeen has great links to the airport, regular public transport services and a good road network, giving easy access to commuters.
“Other benefits such as ample car parking and sympathetic landscaping will make the development an attractive place to work and we expect high levels of interest.”
In recent months, demolition experts have been clearing a disused multi-storey car park and former health club on the site.
Goodman’s regeneration work in the area has already delivered 220,000sq ft of office space for BP, which moved into its current building at Dyce in 2008. One of the top team at Scottish commercial property firm GVA James Barr has been elected president of the Rating Surveyors’ Association (RSA).
The firm said Ken McCormack, director and head of business rates, had become the first Scot to hold the position.
A special dinner was held at the Army and Navy Club in London to mark the beginning of Mr McCormack’s year-long presidency.
He was presented with the official chain of office, bearing the names of all the past presidents of the 105-year-old RSA.
Mr McCormack said: “It is a huge honour to be the first Scottish president in the association’s history, particularly as the majority of the 400-plus members are located south of the border.”