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First Minister in Fife
09/06/2009
First Minister Alex Salmond today officially opened the John Smith Business Park in Kirkcaldy which provides 100,000 square foot of premier office space to encourage inward investment and long term growth in central Fife.
Over the next 15 to 20 years it is expected that up to 4,000 new jobs could be created as a result of the development. Already leading customer service company, MGt, has snapped up two buildings to accommodate their 1,000 staff.
The John Smith Business Park has been developed by Fife Council at a total cost of £17.5 million.
Mr Salmond said:
"John Smith made an outstanding contribution to the political and cultural life of Scotland. Today we have an opportunity to make sure that he continues to be a part of Scotland's development, by dedicating this commercial centre to him.
"With Scotland now officially in recession, the Scottish Government has already taken decisive action to support jobs and help businesses - with the economic recovery plan setting out more than 60 actions to help Scotland's economy. The John Smith Business Park will support that action by providing the space and the facilities for the growth and expansion we are working to encourage.
"Kirkcaldy is Fife's biggest and fastest-growing town, with a strong reputation for business and financial services. These are the competitive advantages we must maximise if we are to to allow Scotland to recover first and strongest from the current economic downturn. This business hub will ensure that investors can make the most of Fife's location and skills.
"Fife is a great location for any business that wants to take advantage of Scotland's economic strengths. With the recently opened Clackmannanshire Bridge opening up routes to the West and the new freight and passenger ferry service from Rosyth to Zeebrugge - it is a location with excellent links into markets at home and abroad. This is proven by recent significant investment in the Tullis Russell Plant and The Energy Park Fife."
"I'm delighted to open the business park and to open the door to job creation and investment."
John Smith QC (1938-1994) served as leader of the Labour Party from July 1992 until his sudden death from a heart attack.