East Ayrshire’s crowning glory
Fiona Russell asks if Halo Kilmarnock could represent a step change in the pursuit of greener housing provision
An innovative urban regeneration project in East Ayrshire is being hailed as a blueprint for the future development and sustainability of towns across the UK.
Halo Kilmarnock promises to be the first town-centre located, netzero carbon energy development in Scotland. It is claimed that 1,300 new jobs will be created, and more than £200 million in GDP will be generated for the Scottish economy.
The 23-acre site, formerly home to a bottling plant for Diageo’s Johnnie Walker whisky, is set to include a Enterprise and Innovation Centre, with 46,000 sq ft of work space, and 210 so-called smart homes.
The homes – available for “affordable rent” – will take the form of modular units using sustainable building materials. Developed in partnership with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), they will utilise
100 per cent renewable energy, including lowcarbon heat pumps.
In addition, a low-energy “Halo Transport” system will be developed on the site, which will include electric buses, electric vehicle charge points, e-bikes and e-mobility clubs.
Meanwhile, economic sustainability will be created through education and skills training for local residents – especially young people – at a cyber and digital training and learning facility, in partnership with energy company Scottishpower.
The founder of the Halo Urban Regeneration Company is Marie Macklin CBE, who grew up in the same Kilmarnock postcode area as the Halo site. It has been her personal crusade over the past 11 years, following the relocation of the bottling operation to Fife, to create a sustainable and economically robust solution for the town.
The former Scottish Business Woman of the Year says: “Kilmarnock, like many UK towns, has long needed an economic boost – and even more importantly now. It grew up on a wave of industry, mainly based on coal, in the first industrial revolution, but then that disappeared and the town has struggled ever since.
“Today, so many UK towns are market failures, where build costs are higher than the potential rent levels. Also, governments have not invested, so the situation for locals worsens.
“My ambition for my home town is for it to be at the forefront of a ‘fourth industrial revolution’, one based on digital and technology skills and enterprise, and even more critically, on green resources.”
Macklin describes Halo Kilmarnock as “a one-stop shop for people to live, work, learn and play”. She adds: “It’s unique because there is an under-pinning sustainable focus on low energy use, better health and a future for enterprise.”
Earlier this month, construction commenced at the site near Ayrshire College Campus and Kilmarnock railway station. It is hoped that both commercial and residential tenants will be able to move in next year.
With a total investment of some £65m in Halo Kilmarnock – delivered in the main thanks to Macklin’s personal drive and determination – some critics have questioned its financial viability.
Macklin is quick to respond: “This is a new model and I argue that it’s sustainable – and it’s the best opportunity we have.
“This is not about developers making big bucks, but about creating towns with an economic future. The partners and funders of the Halo project need to have a vested interest in creating a new economy, not just making a profit.”
When Diageo donated the site for just £1, it was on the proviso that the land was used for a community regeneration project. The drinks giant also pledged £2m in funding.
A further £3.5m came from the UK Government, £5.3m from the Scottish Government and £2m from East Ayrshire Council, plus major investments from the private sector.
The partnership with Scottishpower will see £5m invested over five years in Halo Kilmarnock’s training and education hub.
Macklin says: “The collaboration with Scottishpower brings benefits to the local jobs market, and also allows for the collection of energy use data, which can be used for future strategy. Halo is a test-bed for other urban, sustainable quarters.”
The latest partnership with CSIC is mutually beneficial. CSIC’S role is to connect Halo with the right expertise and knowledge, based on its own innovations at its R&D facility in Blantyre, North Lanarkshire, as well as forward-thinking businesses, academic experts and public sector organisations operating in the field of green construction.
Lucy Black, director of innovation and engagement at CSIC, says: “Working on a project like this is the core of what we do – to support innovation and drive transformational change for not only the good of industry, but the good of society in Scotland.
“We must significantly improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and make heating them zero-carbon if we’re to meet [Scotland’s Climate Change Bill] 2045 net-zero carbon targets.
“Our aim is to help Halo create a scalable future-proof model that is a leading exemplar in the industry.”
Macklin says: “Together, our ultimate vision is a netzero dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle project. If it can work in Kilmarnock, I believe we can recreate the same elsewhere.
“Developments are already in the pipeline in the UK, in Belfast and Ballymena in Northern Ireland, in Lancashire, England, and also in Wales. In the future, the model could go global, too. I really believe in the potential.”
My ambition for my home town is for it to be at the forefront of a fourth industrial revolution’