An important milestone has been reached in the development of the Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP), with the appointment of remediation specialists, ERS.
Based on the banks of the River Clyde in Old Kilpatrick, the proposed SMTP site consists of almost 50 acres of developable space which will have direct access to the deep-water channel via a deep-water quay with a heavy ship hoist.
The marine technology park will provide a unique environment for world-leading innovators in the marine industry to co-locate and collaborate to reinvigorate the shipbuilding and renewable industries on the banks of the Clyde.
ERS (Environmental Reclamation Services), a specialist site investigation and environmental remediation contractor based in Scotland, will now begin works on the first phase of remediation required at the site.
ERS’ Managing Director, Andrew Mackenzie, stated “ERS has enjoyed developing this exciting and challenging project with Malin, their team and wider stakeholders. We now look forward to the start of site works and helping Malin release the value of their land.”
Kevin Waters, Principal Project Manager of the SMTP noted, “we are delighted to have ERS onboard, helping us move ahead with remediation of the site. With their commitment to using sustainable methods aligning with our vision for SMTP, we look forward to working with them on what is a major step forward in our plans for development of the SMTP.”
Following the start of remediation works, activities will commence early in the new year for the construction of a new flood compensatory storage pond, which when complete will be surrounded by a nature walkway, allowing access to the riverside for local residents.
Other ongoing works at the site include the reuse of demolition materials from the local sites which will be used to form platforms for future development plots. Without this reuse, the materials may instead have ended in landfill, but instead will form a firm and fitting foundation for the future build.
Enabling works including the flood compensatory storage pond works and future quay design and reconstruction works have been made possible by £4m of contributions from West Dunbartonshire Council and Clyde Mission.
It is anticipated that completion of these enabling works including remediation and consequent infrastructure works, will help attract further investment required to realise the marine technology park vision, bringing hundreds of new high-quality jobs to the local area.