A steel signing event marked the beginning of the final phase of construction of the pioneering center to be known as the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH).
The state-of-the-art facility is funded by a £17million investment by the UK government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1million Wolfson Foundation grant, NATIH will drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in modern aquaculture practice.
The facility will be fully integrated into the University's Institute of Aquaculture (IoA), the UK’s leading center for aquaculture research, which includes a large-scale marine facility at Machrihanish in Kintyre and a freshwater facility at Buckieburn near Denny.
The depute leader of Stirling Council and senior University leaders signed the steel structure, as well as a plaque which will be hung in NATIH after it opens next year.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP said, “I welcome the progress being made to deliver this pioneering aquaculture project. Backed by £17 million UK government funding - part of our £45 million commitment to the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal. It is a great example of collaboration to find innovative solutions for boosting productivity, creating jobs and improving sustainability in the sector in Scotland and beyond.”
“I am committed to working with partners to bring a new era of growth for Scotland. Our budget last week confirmed £1.4 billion of direct UK government investment in local growth projects, helping to regenerate our towns and cities, support local community groups, and help businesses succeed,” Murray said.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling, said that “the new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub will create the UK’s leading innovation community for sustainable aquatic food production, and position UK innovation and productivity at the forefront of one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. The facility is also the catalyst for the creation of a range of high value, skilled jobs and training opportunities in the blue economy space.”
Professor Simon MacKenzie, head of the Institute of Aquaculture, said, “Our vision is to tackle global problems of food security, hunger and sustainability through aquaculture. The new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub will help us build on our international reputation for world-class research, teaching, technological innovation and consultancy in aquaculture, supporting growth in the production of aquatic food for human consumption, contributing to global food security while reducing the impact on natural resources.”
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.
Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8 million, resulting in a deal worth more than £214 million, to be delivered over 10 to 15 years.
Robertson Construction has this week completed the foundations and steel frame that form the core structure of NATIH and a fit-out will take place in the coming months. David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Central East, said “It’s a world-class facility which marks our fourth project for the university. Working with them once more is a testament to our commitment to quality, delivering benefits for the customer and the wider community both during the build and for many years to come.”
The construction project is delivering a range of local social and economic benefits. Two local jobs have been created and Robertson has engaged with a regional supply chain, seeing £6.5 million spent with micro, small and medium enterprises. Strong partnerships have also been created with nearby schools, delivering career sessions and development opportunities to encourage and support the next generation into construction.
