Ark Estates acquires industrial site next to Cromarty Firth Freeport
The Invergordon site
Highland property investment and development company Ark Estates has procured an industrial site for redevelopment in Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth.
The site, strategically positioned in the Castle Avenue Industrial Estate, is in close proximity to the Port of Cromarty Firth. This port, along with the nearby Port of Nigg, was incorporated into the consortium awarded freeport status by the UK and Scottish governments earlier this year, paving the way for a significant surge in manufacturing activity in the region.
The site, which incorporates a detached warehouse, secure open storage space, and abundant parking, will undergo extensive renovation with a sustainable ethos. The work, currently underway at the 0.8-hectare site, is being undertaken by IBI Joiners of Inverness, focusing on repurposing existing materials, implementing an expansive solar power system and eco-friendly insulation.
Willie Gray, managing director of Ark Estates, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this rarely available industrial site in Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth to add to our diverse portfolio of high quality, climate conscious retail, commercial, industrial and residential property across Scotland.
“The building would be suitable for a range of industrial uses and in terms of having a strategic location – being adjacent to the new freeport and close to the A9 trunk road, it really couldn’t be better. We expect a high level of interest from prospective tenants.
“We have engaged IBI Joiners of Inverness who have just begun a high quality renovation of the site, focusing on sustainable building techniques and materials and energy efficient heating and power systems to bring the building into the 21st century.
“It will be ready for occupation by end-July 2023 with expressions of interest invited to Graham + Sibbald in Inverness.”
Interior of the Invergordon site
The newly granted freeport status to the Port of Cromarty Firth is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth in the Highlands, creating around 15,000 local jobs. Supply chain companies are reportedly expressing interest, with Sumitomo, a global submarine cable player, rumoured to be investing £200 million in a factory at Nigg[1]. This aligns with the nation’s aim of developing renewable energy infrastructure to meet net-zero targets.
No.4 Castle Avenue Industrial Estate will be offered on a long-term lease by Ark Estates. The unit is situated close to the A9 trunk road and is just 24 miles from Inverness and 13 miles from the Nigg Energy Park, which also forms the freeport zone. With a ground floor comprising 880.88 sq m, the building has two large electric shuttered doors. Eaves height is 5.4m and this available unit is close to the A9 trunk road and just 24 miles from Inverness.
References
- ^ rumoured to be investing £200 million in a factory at Nigg (www.scottishfinancialnews.com)