Leading Highland property investment and development company Ark Estates has beaten off stiff competition to acquire a prime site for redevelopment in Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth. Located on Castle Avenue Industrial Estate – a mere stone’s thrown from the Port of Cromarty Firth, which was part of the consortium granted Freeport status earlier this year – the site comprises a detached warehouse with trade counter and ancillary accommodation with yard to the front of the building suitable for secure open storage, as well as ample parking.
Renovation work is currently under way at the 0.8 hectare site with a focus on repairing and enhancing the existing building. Materials will be repurposed where possible and an extensive new solar power system will be installed to improve efficiency, along with extensive new environmentally-friendly insulation.
Speaking about the purchase, Willie Gray, Managing Director of Ark Estates. said:
“We are delighted to have acquired this rarely available industrial site in Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth to add to our diverse portfolio of high quality, climate conscious retail, commercial, industrial and residential property across Scotland.
“The building would be suitable for a range of industrial uses and in terms of having a strategic location – being adjacent to the new Freeport and close to the A9 trunk road, it really couldn’t be better. We expect a high level of interest from prospective tenants.
“We have engaged IBI Joiners of Inverness who have just begun a high quality renovation of the site, focusing on sustainable building techniques and materials and energy efficient heating and power systems to bring the building into the 21st century. It will be ready for occupation by end-July 2023 with expressions of interest invited to Graham + Sibbald in Inverness.”
Highland Freeport set to be manufacturing hub
The Port of Cromarty Firth – and nearby Port of Nigg – were part of the winning Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) consortium granted Freeport status by the UK and Scottish Governments earlier this year. Freeport status is being hailed by observers as a game changer for the Highlands and is set to creat 15,000 jobs locally as the port area becomes a major hub for manufacturing activity. Global submarine cable player, Sumitomo, is already rumoured to be planning construction of a £200m factory at Nigg, which will play an increasing role in the build out of renewable energy infrastructure as the country targets net zero. Supply chain companies are said to be eyeing the area in preparation for the expected levels of activity.
No.4 Castle Avenue Industrial Estate, which is moments from the new port zone, will be made available by Ark Estates on a long term lease. With a ground floor comprising 880.88 Sq.M, the building has two large electric shuttered doors. Eaves height is 5.4m and this rarely available unit is close to the A9 trunk road and just 24 miles from Inverness. The site is 13 miles from the Port of Nigg / Nigg Energy Park, which also forms the Freeport zone.
Interested parties are invited to contact property agent, Kenny McKenzie, at Graham + Sibbald in Inverness.