Saltire Business Parks, a Scottish-based commercial developer, has signed up to a new office in Edinburgh and revealed plans to deliver 200 much-needed industrial units across the country.
Saltire Business Parks has acquired three development sites and has targeted a further 10, as it plans to invest £10m over an initial development programme until 2021. The investment will generate significant economic growth, creating employment opportunities and delivering facilities for small/medium sized businesses to grow.
The developer has signed up to a new office at Rutland Square, Edinburgh, as it gears up to deliver 200 units the length and breadth of Scotland.
The experienced team is led by Alan Esson, a respected property professional and former partner at DM Hall, and supported by Sandy Adam, chairman of Springfield Properties.
Construction is already underway on sites in Dundee and Elgin, with development expected to start in Badentoy over the coming months, and negations are advanced on several other sites. Overall, the development pipeline will support more than 150 fulltime construction jobs.
The industrial market in Scotland is currently characterised by a limited development pipeline, and Saltire Business Parks is aiming to tackle the lack of quality new space and facilitate SME business growth. In Scotland, less than 10% of available industrial space is new or recently refurbished, while many of today’s tenant requirements are driven by a desire to take modern, more efficient buildings that businesses need to thrive.
The sites will offer versatility, delivering a range of units from 1,000 sq ft up to 10,000 sq ft, which can be tailored to the requirements of potential tenants. Saltire Business Parks will offer flexible space with the aim of helping businesses get operational as quickly and easily as possible.
Alan Esson, managing director, Saltire Business Parks, said: “There is a lack of industrial development across Scotland, but this problem is particularly acute for space between 1,000-5,000 sq ft. Scotland’s economy is built upon on the success of its SMEs, and they need the right type of space to thrive and grow. Saltire Business Parks’ commitment to deliver 200 units will help satisfy market demand and we are already receiving enquiries from both local and national operators.
“I’m naturally delighted our team is expanding as we progress our plans and the new office at Rutland Square provides us with the necessary space for future growth.”
“We are actively looking for sites from 1 acre upwards throughout Scotland to provide business space and would be delighted to hear from site owners and agents.”
Saltire Business Parks is on site at Elgin Business Park, which is the largest industrial estate under construction in the north of Scotland. Located on the eastern outskirts of Elgin, the £5m development is expected to create a substantial number of jobs when complete. Grant assistance from HIE helped facilitate this development.
Last month, the developer started work on 16 units totalling 16,000 sq ft in Dundee. Located off Mid Craigie Road, the development is situated close to a well-established industrial area in Dundee on a site close to Kingsway East. The £1m investment will deliver significant opportunity for local economic growth.