A major land deal has been struck in Aberdeen that will unlock a 1m sq ft development.
As revealed by EGi, Norwegian-listed oil services company Aker Solutions is buying a third of Miller Developments’ 93-acre land holdings at D2 Business Park on Dyce Drive, close to Aberdeen International airport.
The price paid for the 40-acre site is confidential. However, serviced plots of industrial land in Aberdeen range between £500,000 and £600,000 per acre.
The deal is part of ambitious expansion plans by Aker, which wants to grow its business by 9-15% a year between 2011 and 2015.
Aker already has 2,700 staff in Scotland in Dyce and Portlethen, who will be consolidated into the new centre of excellence for UK oil and gas operations.
Mark Glatman’s Abstract Land will develop the site through a jv with Aker has called Abstract (Cornwall). The development will include at least 300,000 sq ft of offices plus a medical suite, creche, restaurants, gym and shops.
A source said: “This deal is a massive vote of confidence not only for Aberdeen but for Scotland.
“It will be the single biggest office transaction in Scotland for years.”
Earlier this month Miller Developments exercised an option to acquire the former agricultural land at Dyce from Scotland’s Rural University College and Macrobert Trust to unlock development of a business hub for Aberdeen.
Work started on site this month to provide the infrastructure for the 1.4m sq ft D2 Business Park scheme, as well as the 40-acre plot for Aker.
Glasgow-based Keppie Design is masterplanning the scheme, for which plans will be submitted in due course.
CBRE and Knight Frank advised Miller and Abstract; Aker was unrepresented.
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
