Raising energy and innovation - at the Hub

Already a leading light in the global energy technology sector, one city in the United Kingdom is about to shine even brighter with the opening in mid-2012 of the Hub.

The 2.4 million pounds development of the Hub to support Aberdeen and Scotland’s prominent position in developing global energy technology is set for completion by July this year.

Located at the Aberdeen Energy Park, the Hub will offer about 1,500 square metres (15,000 sq feet) of flexible office accommodation as well as meeting and networking space, including a café, for park tenants and visitors.

The Hub is a key feature of the enhanced tenant services programme at the Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks that will encourage knowledge transfer and collaboration between tenants and academia. It is the first of a number of key investment projects to be delivered by the partners over the next five years.

The 10 million pounds venture aims to help transform nearly 14,400 sq m (155,000 sq ft) of multi-let space and about 10 hectares (25 acres) of development land at the Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks that between them are home to about 100 companies, employing 2,000 people in a range of incubator accommodation, larger office space and workshops.

The project is being delivered by a joint venture between Scottish Enterprise and Buccleuch Property to accelerate the development of the science parks by attracting fresh investment to the area and support existing companies to grow. The five-year investment aims to increase the number of jobs at the parks to more than 4,000.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has confirmed its decision to relocate to the Hub in July 2012 as part of its customer improvements plans. The chamber has signed a 10-year lease to occupy about 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) on the ground floor of the building.

David Peck, managing director of Buccleuch Property, said: “An objective of our partnership with Scottish Enterprise is to create a high quality environment at the parks for large and small businesses with accommodation to suit all. The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s decision to relocate to the Aberdeen Energy Park is testament to the credentials of the Hub and to the Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks as prime locations to cultivate business growth and development.”

The science parks are an integral part of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future’s ambitious Energetica project that aims to create a world-class energy technology development, leisure and housing zone.

Sara Budge, Energetica’s project director, added: “The Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks are the entrance to the southern gateway to Energetica and an important element of our aspiration for a unique, collaborative environment that will showcase our existing energy credentials and stimulate new research and innovation in all energy.

“This announcement comes on the back of recent news that 30 per cent of the potential 750m pounds in new investment as a result of Energetica is now under way,” she said.

Scottish Enterprise’s director of business infrastructure Allan McQuade said: “The Aberdeen Energy and Innovation Parks have enjoyed an international reputation as centres of technology excellence and innovation since they were first established in 1989.

“Together with our joint-venture partner, we aim to preserve this reputation and build on it through providing world-class facilities to encourage more companies to invest here and support existing companies to expand and grow.”

Construction work at the site is being carried out by Robertson, a construction, investment, development and facilities services group of companies that has a base in Aberdeen.