Work on a new luxury housing estate near Stonehaven will start within weeks after developers awarded an initial contract worth £25million to a building firm.
North-east construction firm Pert Bruce has been appointed as a major contractor for the Ury Estate development which will see 51 houses built and the derelict Ury House converted into a boutique hotel.
Ury Developments, part of Edinburgh and Dunfermline FM Group, said construction on the £40million project is due to get under way in the next few weeks.
Montrose-based Pert Bruce will build the first phase of the Blue Lodge housing development, which will consist of 51 five to eight bedroom homes.
It is situated to the south-west of the estate which will boast a balanced mix of housing, with proposals for an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, and golf lodges.
Jonathon Milne, director of Ury Developments, said: “Ury Estate brings together an idyllic countryside setting, history and the finest tradition of quality workmanship.
“Our goal is to create a world-class development of distinction that will blend into the natural environment. We chose Pert Bruce for the first phase of housing and the hotel because of the craftsmanship and unique style which goes into their work.”
Craig Bruce, joint managing director Pert Bruce Construction, said: “We are delighted to be announced as construction partners on both the Blue Lodge Site and Mansion House refurbishment.
“The awarding of these contracts secures the long term future of our 100 strong workforce and gives a solid foundation for the company, after what has been a very challenging and uncertain time for our industry.”
In August, FM Ury won planning permission in principle for 230 homes and to restore the B-listed Ury House into a hotel.
Plans have also been lodged for a supermarket, petrol station, a further 50-bedroom hotel and restaurant.
Plans to develop the scenic site had been on the table for a number of years, but stalled when FM Developments went into administration in 2009.
The 1,600 acre Ury Estate was owned by James Barclay in the 18th century, the son-in-law of John Freame, who set up Barclays Bank.