The organisation spearheading the development of the Alford Community Campus has underlined the economic benefit the project will bring to Donside and the north-east.
Hub North Scotland, the driving force behind the planning, procurement and delivery of community-based infrastructure projects across the north of Scotland, took part in today’s (June 5) turf cutting ceremony to mark the start of work on the project.
The hub model is being used to deliver a number of cutting edge projects throughout the north of Scotland in sectors including education and healthcare. A key component of the model is a commitment to supporting the local supply chain, to ensure communities gain from the construction process.
Angus Macfarlane, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “We have demonstrated in previous and ongoing projects our dedication to businesses local to those developments. Miller Construction has been appointed main contractor for the Alford Community Campus and we will be working closely with the company to ensure the local supply chain is embraced at each stage.
“Earlier this year hub North Scotland handed over the Faithlie dental facility in Fraserburgh to NHS Grampian. Although that was on a much smaller scale to Alford, of the £1.8million development package around 90% of the work was carried out by local contractors. We hold regular supply chain roadshows to promote the advantages of being part of our projects.”
The £30m project in Alford will support local contractors and secure employment in the area, including through the recruitment of graduates and apprentices.
Angus Macfarlane added: “The hub model has already established a strong track record for efficiency. In the hub North Scotland projects delivered in the past 12 months, a total of 79p in every pound has been spent on construction.
“Through the commitment to the local supply chain, the Alford Community Campus will promote significant investment in the local economy during the development and leave a legacy of a fantastic facility which will bring lasting benefits to the area.”