Plans for a £6.6million research and innovation campus in Stromness in Orkney have taken a major step forward.
Tender documents for its construction are to be published this week and a contract award is expected before the end of the year.
Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise announced in January that they had entered into a partnership agreement to construct a 3.75 acre campus in Stromness.
It will support the growth of existing research and innovation activity and the expansion of companies in the islands’ world-leading marine renewables, energy and low-carbon sector, as well as attracting additional research activities to Orkney.
HIE has approved £4.65million for the project, including £1.48million of European Regional Development Fund money, with the council providing £2million – including £500,000 of Scottish Government Regeneration funding – and transferring the ownership of the Old Academy and the former Stromness Primary School to the partnership.
The Old Academy is already home to the European Marine Energy Centre, Heriot Watt University’s International Centre for Island Technology, environmental consultants Aquatera and number of other businesses, who are all expected to remain part of the campus.
Leader of Orkney Islands Council James Stockan said: “This exciting project will be transformational not only for Stromness but for the rest of Orkney as well.
“Discussion is ongoing with a number of organisations who are actively considering making use of the facilities at the new campus. We are confident that this project will lead to new activity in Stromness, which will greatly benefit the town and Orkney as a whole.
“The expansion of the academic and research agenda around the campus will build upon the excellent reputation of Heriot Watt University and Orkney College UHI and develop new research and ‘islands solutions’ to 21st century challenges.
“These innovative approaches are core to discussions we are now having with both the UK and Scottish Government as we prepare for an Islands Deal.”
Graeme Harrison, HIE area manager in Orkney, added: “This is a huge investment in Orkney’s future business and academic infrastructure, the impacts of which will be felt across Orkney.
“It will support the growth of existing businesses and the creation of new enterprises. Crucially, it will provide more opportunities to attract and retain young people looking to live, work and study in the islands.”