International property consultancy, Knight Frank, has been appointed by Hydro Group plc, a major national and international provider of harsh environmental solutions for electrical and optical systems, to project manage the construction of its new £4m Design and Engineering Facility on a 2.2 acre site at Aberdeen Science and Energy Park.

Hydro Group currently occupies approximately 3,200 square metres of office and manufacturing space at Woodside Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, employing 70 staff within its two divisions (Hydro Bond Engineering Ltd. and HydroCable Systems Ltd.).

As Hydro Group's business in subsea and onshore engineering, connectivity and cabling has grown over the years, it now requires new premises to accommodate further growth and expansion, particularly as it is involved in a number of renewable energy projects in the UK and internationally.

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The new premises will be located at Site G, Science and Energy Park, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen and will include over 8,000 sq ft of office space which will have a light, open-plan environment, 31,000 sq ft of space for research & development and their manufacturing facility, as well as 76 car parking spaces.

The new premises will be steel framed and to ensure that it fits within its leafy environment, the visual mass of the building on approach has been minimized by a curved roof design. The building is finished externally with a combination of insulated metal cladding panels and fyfestone blockwork. A glazed curtain walling screen off the main entrance is topped with a glass canopy, which fits well with the open, spacious and light design.

Construction on site is expected to commence May 2008 with completion expected in early 2009.

Doug Garden, partner, Knight Frank said: "This is an exciting opportunity to project manage the design and development of a new state of the art facility for Hydro Group. This Aberdeen-based company, which celebrated 25 years of excellence last year, is expanding rapidly.

"These new spacious premises will allow them to expand their business practice and realise their aspirations for further growth. Knight Frank is looking forward to being involved in every aspect of the design and construction of this excellent facility."

The Aberdeen Science and Energy Park is available to companies engaged in research, design and development across a range of technologies including life sciences and energy.

(GK/JM)