Business hub planned for Kilmarnock

The contractor company, Morrison Construction, has been appointed a multi-million pound contract to work on Phase One of the HALO Urban Regeneration Company’s Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Kilmarnock.

The project is being undertaken at a cost of approximately £63M and will commence at the end of September at the former distillery site of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, with the new development pledging to be low-carbon, use clean energy, and provide jobs to the local economy.

It is forecast that the project will employ approximately 700 construction workers with the 45,635sq ft development, as well as the associated infrastructural works, scheduled to be completed by January 2021.

The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre will aim towards being a BREEAM Outstanding status building with features including state-of-the-art design, office and workspace, cutting edge technology, virtual and augmented reality scenario training, and ‘living labs’.

HALO has previously been associated with companies such as Scottish Power and Barclays in the construction of facilities and development of skills programmes.

The Project Director at the HALO Urban Regeneration Company, Drew Macklin stated: “The Enterprise and Innovation Hub will form part of the HALO’s dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can live, work, learn and play.

“With a strong track record of delivering major projects on time and within budget I look forward to Morrison Construction starting work on our exciting project.”

The Managing Director at Morrison Construction, Eddie Robertson added: “We are delighted to be appointed the main contractor to build the Enterprise and Innovation Hub, a development that will revitalise the town centre and support the wider Ayrshire economy.

“Our experienced project team will soon establish site and begin works. During construction, we will engage with all stakeholders and provide education and employment opportunities as part of our progressive social value programme.”

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