So far in our series on the A90, we’ve seen how dualling the trunk road all the way to Peterhead would have major benefits for industries, commuters and visitors across the north-east. In today’s third feature, Jamie Buchan looks at how a dual carriageway could be crucial to another huge development – one that could revolutionise the local economy.
Transport bosses may have no immediate plans for a dual carriageway between Peterhead and Ellon, but work is already underway on another scheme which could transform the route and bring a massive boost to local businesses.
The 30-mile Energetica corridor was announced with much fanfare back in 2008.
The main aim is to create a global technology corridor along the coastal stretch, generating about £500million a year and creating thousands of jobs.
The project is being spearheaded by local authority leaders in Aberdeen City and Shire as well as Scottish Enterprise. It is being rolled out over the next 25 years.
Yesterday, the people behind the Why Stop at Ellon? campaign said upgrading to a dual carriageway was vital to Energetica’s success and would help entice companies to invest in the project and establish their new businesses along the corridor.
Ellon councillor Gillian Owen, who started the campaign earlier this year with Peterhead members Alan Gardiner and Tom Malone, said: “Energetica is a fantastic opportunity and can make the north-east a leader in innovative solutions for a sustainable energy associated businesses.
“It is visionary and has to be promoted at all levels to ensure that Aberdeen City and Shire are the leaders in this progressive approach.”
She added: “Currently our infrastructure is our biggest stumbling block and that is why we need to encourage the Scottish Government and Europe to help us invest.
“Wasting money on fast links between Edinburgh and Glasgow, when there is already a service in place is criminal, particularly when we here in the north-east could use that investment in a better way which will secure our economic growth as well as Scotland’s.”
Plans for Energetica’s first flagship development are already in place.
A 55-acre business park will be built on the edge of Peterhead – less than a mile from the harbour – aimed at developing the town as a leading destination for innovation and technology.
The council believes that, given its proximity to the Buchan port’s deepwater berth, it is an ideal site for opportunities in the emerging decommissioning and renewable sectors.
The scheme is expected to compliment pending plans for a groundbreaking carbon capture scheme at Peterhead power station.
Energetica programme director Derek McCrindle said: “The Energetica Commercial Park will help to fulfil a key Energetica priority of supporting energy investment in the corridor from Aberdeen to Peterhead.
“This is an important step forward in encouraging world-class energy businesses to invest in the area and building Peterhead, and the Energetica corridor, as a global showcase for innovation and development.”
He added: “Improvements to transport infrastructure is essential to encouraging greater investment into the north-east of Scotland and Energetica would welcome the dualling of the A90 trunk road between Ellon and Peterhead.”
Mr McCrindle added: “There are so many exciting projects on the way for Peterhead, including carbon, capture and storage and major investment into the port.
“The town is finding its place on the global map and it is essential that infrastructure is improved to keep up with demand.”
James Welsh, from Aberdeenshire Council’s planning service, was recently appointed as the project’s development manager.
The new post, the first time a dedicated management role has been created for the scheme, will focus on delivering ambitions and priorities as part of the delivery framework.
Mr Welsh said it was a great opportunity to “take the lead in an innovative and ambitious project which will help boost the economy of the north-east.”