This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Plans for new SNH headquarters building
06/10/2004
Plans for a state of the art headquarters building for
Scottish Natural Heritage' in Inverness were revealed
today.
Deputy Environment Minister Lewis Macdonald confirmed
that the Robertson Group Ltd had secured the development
contract after an EU-wide procurement exercise.
The building will be built with sustainability in mind
and with a number of energy efficiency measures intended to
make it one of the most environmentally friendly public
sector developments in Scotland.
Mr Macdonald said :
"I am delighted to welcome the award of this contract,
and the decision to approve the construction of a
state-of-the-art new building.
"This is good news for the North of Scotland, and it is
good news for Scottish Natural Heritage.
"SNH should now have a home worthy of its status as a
major national agency, and one which incorporates many
features that will symbolise the commitment which Ministers
and SNH share to sustainable development."
The proposed development at Westercraigs, on the site of
the Craig Dunain Nurses Home, is subject to both parties
entering into a development agreement.
SNH Chairman John Markland said:
"The Robertson Group tender was considered to offer best
value and offers the opportunity to secure a first class
sustainable building.
"Pre-contract discussions will now take place and it is
anticipated that further detail will be available at a
launch scheduled for mid October in Inverness."
SNH is the Executive's statutory advisor in respect to
the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment, understanding and
sustainable use of the natural heritage.
SNH is scheduled to move the majority of its HQ
functions from Edinburgh to Inverness in March/April
2006.
The new building will provide an integrated headquarters
facility for around 250 posts currently spread between two
buildings in Edinburgh and 50 staff currently housed in two
buildings in Inverness.