The European Marine Science Park in Argyll is one of HIE’s current major infrastructure investments. Marine science has been conducted on this site for over a century. The Phase 1 building will form part of a larger campus and international centre of excellence incorporating marine science, research and development, education and commercial activity. It is anticipated that the European Marine Science Park will be of particular interest to start-up businesses, spin-outs and SMEs who are interested in the combination of an outstanding marine environment with world-class scientific research available at this location. The Science Park will create and nurture an environment where businesses can thrive in a cluster of scientific expertise. First-class business support will be available to all tenants from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Development International to ensure that the businesses operate effectively and profitably in the shortest time possible.
Phase 1 is presently under construction and will be completed by October 2012. This phase will include laboratory and office space in a highly sustainable building in this stunning location. Phase 2 and beyond will be determined by demand and sector development. The total development at the Science Park will be 5,400 sq m to be built in phases spanning a period of 10 years. The first phase building due for completion in autumn 2012 will provide accommodation capable of meeting the requirements of researched based organisations through the provision of laboratories or alternatively high quality office accommodation. The building has been designed with flexibility and can accommodate a wide range of occupier requirements. The first phase will provide a high quality sustainable building containing accelerator space for expanding companies.
The Scottish Marine Institute delivers research and education that aim to improve our understanding and sustainable use of the marine environment. It is home to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), an internationally respected oceanographic research organisation. Based at Dunstaffnage for over a hundred years, SAMS aims to increase knowledge of the marine environment through research, education, knowledge and exchange in services business. The organisation maintains two strategic partnerships, the new University of the Highlands and Islands and the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council.
Location
The European Marine Science Park is situated on the Dunstaffnage Peninsula adjacent to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). Both are located three miles from Oban on the A85 near the village of Dunbeg and adjacent to the 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle. The nearest city airports are Glasgow (c. 2 hours by car) and Prestwick and Edinburgh (both c. 3 hours by car). There is also a small airport on the outskirts of Oban. A train and bus service operates between Glasgow and Oban on a regular daily basis.
The nearest principal town is Oban. Oban is is a hub for the tourist industry and provides a variety of facilities and services. The town has a modern leisure centre, a public library, and many pubs, shops and restaurants. The Corran Halls put on a variety of shows, plays, music performances, ballet events etc. The stunning scenery offers access to nearly all outdoor pursuits and ferries can take you to many Hebridean destinations.
Accommodation
Ground floor - 860 sq m (9,267 sq ft)
First floor - 936 sq m (10,085 sq ft)
Total - 1,797 sq m (19,350 sq ft)
Terms
To let
Specification
• Breeam ‘excellent’ rating.
• Double height feature entrance vestibule.
• Flexible floorplates with laboratory / general office accommodation.
• Designed to maximise the positive impact of surrounding land and seascape.
• Quality internal finishes throughout including natural stone and lift provision for example.
• Woodchip Biomass boiler providing heating and hot water.
• Ground floor 9,267 sq ft, first floor 10,085 sq ft.
• 50 car spaces.
There is a detailed specification document for the Phase 1 building that can be provided on request.