Building Briefs - February 5th

• Green energy boost for north east water supplies

With a capacity of 300 kilowatts (kW), around half of the solar energy generated at the site near Newmachar will be used to power the pumps which are a key part of the drinking water supply for over 6,000 homes and businesses between Bridge of Don and Ellon. The other half will be exported to the grid - contributing to the growing availability of low carbon electricity for all consumers.

The work has been delivered by the utility’s commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons and its contractor Absolute Solar Wind & Power.

Scottish Water Horizons has already delivered over 45 solar power projects, as well as 20 wind projects, two biomass projects and a heat from waste water project.

Scottish Water also hosts significant additional renewable generation capacity on sites and land it owns across Scotland.

• Shepherd rolls out Scotland-wide free video tours of commercial properties

Following universally positive client feedback received from a pilot programme run throughout the Grampian region, Shepherd Chartered Surveyors is rolling out free video tours of commercial properties throughout the length and breadth of Scotland.

Believed to be the first commercial surveying practice in Scotland to offer nationwide video tours on such a comprehensive scale, the facility offers tours of circa 200 commercial properties of all types and sizes, from the smallest retail outlet to the largest industrial unit.

According to James Morrison, an associate within Shepherd’s Aberdeen Commercial Department, the introduction of the video tours marks the latest stage in the continuous evolution of the range of services the firm can offer to the dynamic commercial property marketplace.

The facility enables interested parties to access video tours of commercial properties at their leisure in the comfort of their own home or office at any time that suits.

Interested parties can view video tours of commercial properties by subscribing to Shepherd’s YouTube page.

• New ‘Framework’ office development launched to market

Framework, an office building located in the heart of Glasgow city centre, has been launched to the market following completion of an extensive refurbishment project.

The building provides 36,460 sq ft of contemporary office space over seven levels, with floorplates ranging from 4,676 sq ft to 5,430 sq ft. Shelborn Asset Management purchased the building in 2019 and has appointed CBRE and Ryden as letting agents.

Framework, situated at 124 St Vincent Street, boasts a new reception with seating area, a new basement gym with high quality fitness equipment and shower and changing facilities, a secure cycle storage area with maintenance station and a full new external frontage.

The building is fibre-enabled, which ensures instantaneous, secure high-speed broadband is available by all providers from day one. To help reduce the building’s carbon emissions, it is 100% electric from renewable sources and includes electric car charging stations.

Framework is being marketed for let by CBRE and Ryden. The refurbishment project team included building contractor akp Scotland, interior designer Graven, and engineer DSSR.

• Dundas Estates’ housing development sells out in Fife

Buyers have snapped up the final homes in a historic town famed for being the final resting place of Scottish King, Robert the Bruce.

Dundas Estates’ Annfields development, to the east of Dunfermline, has sold out, with buyers moving to downsize or climb the property ladder - with the site offering a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom houses.

The 159-home development sold its final property after interest from a number of buyers, leaving a positive legacy within the community.

A public art sculpture has also been erected outside the development by artist Tim Chalk. Tim created the piece which is inspired by birds when learning the surrounding streets are named after different species.

Sister development, Ostlers Way in Kirkcaldy has also sold its final property with demand remaining strong in the Fife property market.

• Miller Homes launches limited-time offer at South Gilmerton Brae

Miller Homes has launched a limited-time offer at its South Gilmerton Brae development on the southern edge of Edinburgh.

Throughout the month of February, Miller Homes is offering up to six months’ mortgage paid and 50% off carpets and floor coverings on a selection of family homes at the Edinburgh development. The housebuilder will cover mortgage payments up to £1000 for up to six months, and buyers will enjoy half price off a wide selection of high-quality flooring for their new home.

The fantastic offer is only available for purchases in February however, so interested buyers will need to act fast if they want to snap up one of the homes and get the deal.

• Portincaple housing plans rejected by Argyll and Bute Council

Proposals to build 12 new homes in the small hamlet of Portincaple have been rejected by Argyll and Bute Council after thousands of objections were raised online.

During a seven-and-a-half hour long meeting, councillors refused the proposal for new homes on the banks of Loch Long - despite planning officials recommending that the proposals were approved.

A motion submitted by independent Councillor George Freeman, stating that the plans were out of character in a sensitive area, was agreed unanimously by the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee last week.

The decision was welcomed by Green MSP Ross Greer, who spoke on behalf of residents at the meeting, The Daily Record reports.

Developer Pelham Olive meanwhile paid tribute to Argyll and Bute Council, despite the refusal.