Morrison Construction is to build an enterprise and innovation hub in Kilmarnock, the first phase of the £63m HALO development, on the former home of whisky brand Johnnie Walker.
Morrison, part of the Galliford Try group, will start work by the end of this month on the project, which is expected to be completed by January 2021.
The state-of-the-art building, which will be rated “outstanding” under BREEAM, will include facilities for virtual and augmented reality-based scenario training, “living labs” to enable the innovation and evaluation of digital technology, and sector-based suites that simulate the new working environment in areas such as health and social care.
The wider HALO development is a brownfield urban regeneration project sitting on a 23-acre site in the town centre that will eventually feature 210 affordable homes for rent equipped with the latest technolofy. It will be served with a mix of onsite low carbon energy and autonomous electric vehicles.
Drew Macklin, project director at the HALO Urban Regeneration Company, said: “Today marks a huge milestone for the HALO as we announce Morrison Construction as the main construction contractor to deliver the Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Kilmarnock and start preparations for them to begin construction on site by the end of September.
“The Enterprise and Innovation Hub will form part of the HALO’s dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can live, work, learn and play.
“With a strong track record of delivering major projects on time and within budget I look forward to Morrison Construction starting work on our exciting project.”
Eddie Robertson, managing director at Morrison Construction, said: ‘‘We are delighted to be appointed the main contractor to build the Enterprise and Innovation Hub, a development that will revitalise the town centre and support the wider Ayrshire economy.
‘‘We look forward to working with our new client, The HALO Urban Regeneration Company, to successfully deliver this project that will drive growth in Kilmarnock and the surrounding areas.
‘‘Our experienced project team will soon establish site and begin works. During construction, we will engage with all stakeholders and provide education and employment opportunities as part of our progressive social value programme.’’
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