With a proposed new development at the Mill Road Industrial Estate, Edinburgh-based SRA intends to bring local, national, and international brands together in one business incubator location as part of a £5 million investment that will create up to 80 jobs.

It plans to demolish part of the estate’s former Arco building and refurbish it into seven trade counters, while creating 56 parking spaces.

Simultaneously, it says that this will create a development site for an eco-friendly mixed-use village which SRA is calling ‘Project Contempo’.

It is set to become one of several new incubator business parks around the UK, designed to provide a springboard for SMEs wanting to launch their businesses on the high street.

The aim is to deliver sustainable, energy-efficient work spaces for these local start-up businesses by utilising retrofitted shipping containers.

The full proposed site comprises trade counters, restaurant, coffee shop – including local food operators – as well as workshop, and office space.

Project Contempo follows SRA’s previous success in Linlithgow with E-Net Park which was also a hub for ecommerce businesses.

SRA owner Shaf Rasul said that significant interest has already been generated from prospective tenants.

He added: “#Projectcontempo is a unique, mixed-use commercial development of a type that we believe has never seen before in Scotland. We think it will inject fresh life into the estate while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of occupants.

“Disposing of surplus shipping containers is an expensive and environmentally damaging process. Upcycling them is a much more ecologically-friendly and cost-effective alternative.

“The buildings will be designed to maximise natural light and therefore reduce energy costs in tandem with efficient LED lighting and solar panels that will meet most of the energy requirements of the development.

“We’re proud to be the first to bring this concept to the heart of Scotland.

“It’s a concept that also makes huge sense for SRA Ventures. The location is perfect and the exciting possibilities that this site offers is representative of our growing ambitions.

“SRA is a trusted provider of attractive, high quality fit-outs for bespoke needs, so we are delighted to now be progressing this sustainable ecommerce hub.”

SRA was advised on the acquisition by Alan Herriot of Ryden, while Joe Helps of Graham + Sibbald has been appointed along with him as joint agents for the trade counter aspect of the development.

Alan said: “The site is in a superb location, and offers 56 dedicated car parking spaces for customers, so together with its wide sustainable benefits, many will find it an attractive proposition.”

Murray Stewart and Gregor Duthie of Gilson Gray LLP advised on the legal aspects of the project.