Tender documents to be released for Stromness Research Campus

According to Orkney Islands Council (OIC), tender documents for the construction of a multi-million pound research and innovation campus in Stromness are due to be published this week.

The documents will be placed on the Public Contracts Scotland website, with a contract award expected before the end of the year.

OIC and  Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) announced in January this year that they had entered into a partnership agreement to construct a 3.75 acre campus in Stromness. It is hoped that this will support the growth of existing research and innovation activity and the expansion of companies in Orkney’s world-leading marine renewables, energy and low-carbon sector, as well as attracting additional research activities to Orkney.

HIE has approved £4.65m for the project, including £1.48m of European Regional Development Fund money, with the Council providing £2.0m including £0.5m 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.

The public were invited to view plans for the new campus in February and again in July.

OIC political leader, James Stockan  believes that this exciting project will be transformational not only for Stromness but for the rest of Orkney as well, with discussions 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,” he said.

“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 feels that this will project will be 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,” he said.

“Crucially, it will provide more opportunities to attract and retain young people looking to live, work and study in the islands. We are delighted to offer support and look forward to a long-term partnership with Orkney Islands Council in bringing this important development to fruition.”