SURPRISE switch of focus by Aberdeen’s top property developer could lead to a major new retail park for the granite city, writes Bob Serafini
Drum Property Group has submitted plans for a £100 million vestment in the new facility, opposite their highly successful Prime Four Business Park four miles west of the city centre at Kingswells.
The firm – Scotland’s property developer of the year for the past two years – is best known for the major global energy hub it has established on a former greenfield site, attracting several European headquarters of oil and gas firms out of the city to an attractive landscaped environment.
While further phases of the business side are also planned once the market recovers, this smart move sees the company now hoping to build a 320,000 sq ft retail development, including a food store, next door.
The purpose built park, which would bring an estimated 500 new jobs, has already identified retailer Next as its first potential occupier.
Graeme Bone, Drum’s group MD, said: "We are very excited about the potential the retail park could bring to the city and wider area. As well as jobs, new services and retail brands, a project of this size will have a positive economic impact at a very challenging time for the north-east economy.
"The calibre of development proposed will ensure Aberdeen maintains its status as the principal shopping location and we look forward to working with the city council in making this investment a reality.
"We are currently in active discussions with a number of retailers, some looking to expand their presence in Aberdeen and others new to the city."
A spokesperson for Next confirmed the retailer was looking to increase its footprint in the area, with the site at Kingswells complementing existing in-town outlets and providing the brand with a strong ‘bricks and mortar’ presence in the north-east.
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