THE MASTERPLAN of a multi-million pound project to put Methil on the map was finally unveiled yesterday.
THE MASTERPLAN of a multi-million pound project to put Methil on the map was finally unveiled yesterday.
Work has already started to turn the mothballed 133-acre Kvaerner site in Methil into a revolutionary Energy Park and yesterday (Tuesday) Scott
ish Enterprise Fife was ready to reveal its aims for the ambitious project.
Coinciding with the completion of emergency earth works on the site, the unveiling of the scheme laid bare proposals to regenerate the brownfield site into zoned industrial areas, ranging from two to 25-acre plots, which accommodate businesses operating in Scotland's renewable energy sector.
Councillor John Cameron, Fife Council's spokesman for planning and development, hailed the good new, adding: "The energy park will be state-of-the-art and a hub of activity for Scotland's renewable energy sector."
Flagship
The first phase of the development has now been completed with more than 200,000 tonnes of earth moved to stabilise the ground and prevent land slippage into the Firth of Forth.
Next on the agenda, vital infrastructure including access roads, site services, boundary fencing and upgrading of coastal defences are now programmed to pave the way for the flagship development.
Joe Noble, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Fife, said: "There is little doubt that the renewables energy sector is set to grow significantly in Scotland in the years ahead with hopes for future developments in wind, solar and wave power.
"Renewables has therefore been pinpointed as one of the fastest growing sectors in Scotland and the Energy Park in Methil will provide much-needed industrial space to accommodate growth in the sector."
The future of a renewable energy park at Methil's docklands was sealed last year when the redundant oil rig fabrication yard was sold in a breakthrough land agreement involving Scottish Enterprise Fife and Fife Council.
Once complete, it is anticipated the Park will inject more than £130 million into the economy, create several hundred jobs and generate more than £65 million of new investment for the Levenmouth area.
Cllr Cameron explained: "As part of our wider strategy to regenerate the Central Fife area, the park will provide quality job opportunities for locals in areas traditionally dependent on the engineering sector and now affected by significant levels of unemployment.
"Scotland already has a great reputation for excellence in renewable energy and we can build on and grow that reputation by leading the way in Fife with our significant investment and commitment."
National
The site has already embraced the 'green' energy sector with work almost complete by Burntisland Fabrication on sections of turbines destined for an offshore windfarm project.
And three Methil-made Pelamis Wave Energy Converters, to turn energy from the sea into electricity, have set sail for a wave farm just off the northern coast of Portugal.
Continuing to maximise the advantages from the deep sea access and long quayside of Methil's docklands, the 10-year blueprint unveiled on Tuesday will accommodate up to 500,000 square feet of high-specification business space specifically aimed at those operating in the energy sector.
Recognising its national importance, the venture has been successful in gaining high impact project status within the Scottish Enterprise Five Year Investment Plan and has secured funding of £1 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
