Building Briefs – August 14th

• Construction progresses as 12th caisson arrives in Aberdeen’s South Harbour

The caisson forms part of the north-facing Castlegate Quay, which is 540 meters long, and will support the international shipping industry, and sectors including renewables and decommissioning. The caisson is approximately 51-meters long, 12-meters wide and 15-meters deep.

Michelle Handforth, chief executive of Aberdeen Harbour board, said: “Construction of the fixed quays is progressing quickly, and we now have less than half of the caissons to arrive and be placed in the Harbour.

“Our significantly larger quaysides, operational capabilities and expansive international connections will ensure Aberdeen Harbour is a major player in the maritime economies of Scotland and the rest of the UK, and will bring new possibilities to Aberdeen and the surrounding region.

“My thanks go to our site team and multi-disciplined group of contractors whose expertise and experience has ensured the safe transfer and placement of this caisson. I look forward to the rest of the caissons arriving and seeing the remaining structure of South Harbour quickly taking shape.”

A total of 22 caissons will be used to construct the fixed quay areas of South Harbour, providing heavy-lift capacity, and significantly reducing the amount of concrete required in the construction phase.

• Aberdeenshire Council embarks on South Harbours Improvement Plan consultation

Residents and businesses are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of three harbours in the south of Aberdeenshire.

The South Aberdeenshire Harbours Improvement Plan moves a step forward this week with the launch of an online consultation on a series of possible projects for Stonehaven, Johnshaven and Gourdon.

Aberdeenshire Council – in association with consultants Ironside Farrar - has developed a range of potential projects and is encouraging the public to make comment to further shape these ideas.

It is hoped that the Improvement Plan and projects will capture future external funding to improve the harbours and facilities, support the traditional fishing industry and other local businesses as well as growing areas such as tourism.

Responses to the consultation will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help complete the final Improvement Plan.

The consultation – which has received 66% funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund through NESFLAG - runs from Thursday, August 13 to Friday, August 28 and can be accessed at here.

• Dundee regeneration praised for inclusive growth

Dundee has been highlighted as a leading example of a city-wide regeneration project providing inclusive growth, by the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

The council and partners have been praised for delivering a heritage and culture-led regeneration while strongly focusing on the identity of the city.

The RSA’s ‘Heritage for Inclusive Growth 2020’ report has developed a case study on Dundee highlighting “thriving local cultural and heritage sectors and renewed place-based pride and identity.” 

The report goes on to praise the proactive nature of the regeneration of the city through attracting opportunities and investment to Dundee, as well as the effects investment in culture and heritage can have on other sectors.

The report states: “Some cities with established international reputations and pedigrees can, to an extent, expect opportunities to come to them. Dundee is not such a city.

“Instead, the investment and opportunities which have occurred in the city have been due to the proactive work and constant effort of the council, organisations and civic leaders to drive the city forward.”

Additionally, the report highlights the positive way in which the public were engaged and included in the regeneration process. Furthermore, the case study found that redevelopment in the city through investment in schools and community hubs helped further inclusive growth.