Ironside Farrar appointed as master planners for energy transition zone

Energy Transition Zone Ltd has appointed Ironside Farrar to lead a team to advance the Energy Transition Zone master plan that will help reposition the North East of Scotland as a globally recognised integrated energy cluster that delivers sustainable jobs and growth for the region as part of meeting the net zero ambition.

The master plan will progress proposals for how the site will be developed based on an understanding of place and provide a clear and consistent framework for future investment and development. The master plan will cover the proposed areas of the Energy Transition Zone including the development of various existing brownfield sites both in East Tullos and Altens and sites adjacent to Aberdeen South Harbour.

ETZ Ltd is committed to working to ensure local benefits and opportunities are secured and that the master plan builds a sustainable, inclusive and environmentally responsible basis for future investment and growth. Ironside Farrar will play a key role in engaging with the local community and other stakeholders through the various stages of the master planning process.

Neal Handforth, ETZ Ltd Development & Infrastructure Director, said:

“I’m delighted that Ironside Farrar will be undertaking the crucial work of master planning for the Energy Transition Zone. They have a proven track record of finding creative and sustainable solutions and prioritising community participation as a key element of their project delivery.

“The Energy Transition Zone is a milestone project that will help cement Aberdeen’s position as the all-energy capital of Europe, securing a sustainable and vibrant future for the North East and the people who live and work here.

“This region is one of the most attractive locations in Europe in which to develop and accelerate the commercialisation of the innovative low-carbon technologies that are needed to help Scotland and the UK meet their respective Net Zero targets. The master planning activity is an important step in ensuring this project is as a catalyst for innovation, investment and sustainable growth.

“Critical to the project’s success is ensuring the local community is listened to throughout the process. The team at Ironside Farrar are fully aware of the importance we place on this, and they will play a key role in delivering what is an exciting and ambitious project for our region.

“We are at the start of the process and would welcome the opportunity to explore with the community ideas around a number of specific projects and initiatives that would have the aim of developing local amenities, whilst considering the importance of biodiverse areas, as important community-based elements of the ETZ project.”

Julian Farrar, Managing Director for Ironside Farrar, said:

“It is a privilege to be named as Energy Transition Zone partner for the delivery of this master plan. Building more sustainable and inclusive places has never been more important and we look forward to working with the many and varied stakeholders to develop the master plan and support our transition to net zero.”