The company behind plans for a new business park in Montrose says the town is “crying out” for such a development.
Proposals have been submitted for a 50-hectare business park that would be linked to offshore renewable energy sites.
According to the John Lawrie group’s financial director, Montrose is in dire need of a new commercial development like the one his company is proposing.
“Montrose has been crying out for developed land that can provide employment opportunities to the town,” said Charlie Parker.
“We’re talking about a huge site that covers 123 acres, and so there are endless possibilities to develop and foster new business across the site over several stages.”
The development would be at the former RAF airfield, near the Broomfield Industrial Estate, and would include more than 100,000 square metres of offices and accommodation to support the manufacturing of renewable energy projects across the county.
The plans were submitted by Aberdeen firm John Lawrie, which owns and invests in businesses all across the globe.
Founded in Aberdeen in the 1930s, the company processes scrap metal, trades in steel and works with the oil, gas and construction industries.
It already has premises in Montrose at the Forties Road Industrial Estate.
Mr Parker added the town’s geographical setting was ideally suited to bolster its contributions to the local energy sector.
He said: “The land and its close proximity to Montrose port offers a unique opportunity to provide support to the oil and gas industries to the north, but also offshore wind, which I think is going to see a huge rise in demand.
“With any luck, this will give Montrose that extra lease of life it’s been needing.”
Council officials have been discussing a new business park in Montrose for the better part of a year.
The move follows the approval of plans from GlaxoSmithKline, who recently announced a £28 million addition to its production facilities in the town.