Final Masterplan for Energetica is released today

Today sees the launch of Gillespies’ final masterplan for Energetica – a project to promote a 30-mile development corridor stretching from Bridge of Don in Aberdeen to Peterhead. Energetica was conceived as a response to the realisation that the economy of the region would need to reduce its dependency on oil and gas to secure its long term future.

Following the delivery of the masterplan, a funding and delivery model is set to be developed by Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF). Unveiled in outline form at an economic summit in Aberdeen earlier this year, the finalised Energetica masterplan paves the way for the development to enter its next key stages.

ACSEF is now set to formulate a funding framework for the concept that could attract £750 million in investment to the region in its first ten years. The public private partnership which leads the economic development agenda for Aberdeen City and Shire believes Energetica also has the potential to generate £500 million of Gross Value Added (GVA) per annum. ACSEF will also be using the masterplan to inform and influence the development of the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Local Development Plans.

Energetica would see much of a 30-mile stretch of Aberdeen City and Shire, between the city and Peterhead, become a new global focal point of energy-related activity. The aim is to create a corridor along the A90 featuring a critical mass of dynamic organisations focused on innovation and research and development located in a high quality environment. The masterplan proposes the use of land for much-needed business development as well as for educational, retail, residential and leisure use. Chairman of ACSEF, Tom Smith, says: “This is a highly ambitious project for this region, creating, as it will, an imaginative, large-scale technology zone. It will be absolutely central to our work to achieve long-term prosperity for the region and secure its position as a global energy hub well into the future."

“It is a great example of public and private sectors working together. This world-class concept was initiated by the business community and the masterplan was put together by Scottish Enterprise with urban designers Gillespies. The ACSEF board is now looking to form a small group to develop a funding model to take it to the next stage."

“The masterplan aims to capture the imagination of everyone with a stake in the region’s long-term wellbeing and secure buy-in from local landowners and residents, businesses and politicians.”

Project leader and partner of Gillespies, Brian Evans, says: “The Energetica Concept presents a fantastic opportunity to consolidate Aberdeen's reputation for Oil and Gas expertise and diversify its economy into sustainable energy technologies along the coast north to Peterhead. We are excited by the ambition of the Energetica project and the opportunity to develop this Concept into a sustainable masterplan strategy for the City and Shire."

The masterplan has been conceived by Gillespies with John Thompson and Partners, Stuart Gulliver and Joachim Eble Architektur.