Initial phase of new marine science park completed in Argyll

THE first phase of a new multi-million pound marine science park in Argyll has been completed.

• The new development will support business is Scotland’s growing life sciences and energy sectors and will potentially support up to 125 jobs

• Dunstaffnage site already a globally recognised centre of excellence for marine science

The state of the art building at Dunstaffnage, near Oban, will provide space for businesses wishing to tap into the region’s world leading reputation in marine science research and development.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has received the keys from construction firm Robertson Northern for the first of three buildings planned for development at the Park over the next ten years.

The 20,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space will support businesses in Scotland’s growing Life Sciences and Energy sectors and has the potential to support up to 125 jobs.

Douglas Cowan, area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: “We are delighted the first of the three buildings which make up the European Marine Science Park is now complete.

“Now that we have ownership of the building we are moving forward with marketing on a targeted basis with our agents, Graham & Sibbald and with the support of Scottish Development International.

“We are currently in discussions with a number of potential tenants.

The Dunstaffnage site is already an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine science, with the Scottish Marine Institute being home to the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology.

In August 2010, the HIE Board approved an investment of £7.5m to create this first phase of the Park.

HIE contributed £4.5m of its own grant-in-aid budget from the Scottish Government, and attracted the remaining £3m towards this first phase from the European Regional Development Fund.