Stirling Development Agency (SDA), the newly formed 50/50 joint venture between Valad Property Group and Stirling Council, has submitted a detailed planning application for the development of two office buildings located at the heart of Forthside, Stirling's 40 acre waterfront regeneration site.

The SDA proposals will provide 127,000 sq ft of commercial office accommodation in a prime location close to public transport facilities and situated on the edge of a new civic square, which will be linked to the city centre by a landmark pedestrian bridge, to be completed this autumn.

Designed by international architects RMJM, the Grade A open plan office space is characterised by private courtyards and roof top terraces with unrivalled views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills. The development is also expected to achieve an 'Excellent' BREEAM rating - the most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings.

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Jones Lang LaSalle and Montagu Evans have already been appointed to secure pre-lets for the office space, with completion expected in Autumn 2010, to coincide with the completion of the nearby civic square and 4 star hotel.

Andy Richardson, Development Director of Valad Property Group and Director of SDA said: "This is the first of a number of developments being undertaken by the SDA both within the city centre and surrounding areas, which will help to encourage inward investment in the region and facilitate economic growth."

In addition to the office development application, SDA has also submitted plans drawn up by RMJM for the redevelopment of the adjacent railway engine shed into a new bar and restaurant.

Scott Farmer, Councillor and SDA board member welcomed the progress being made at Forthside. He said: "Stirling is a vibrant, growing city and we are confident that all the developments taking place at Forthside will enhance its reputation as one of Scotland’s most dynamic and attractive places to live and work.

"With this development we are continuing to strengthen Stirling’s economy by providing high quality business space, which will not only attract new business to the area, but will also allow existing business room for expansion."

SDA's proposals reflect its continued confidence in the Stirling market and expand on the successful 11 year partnership between Valad and Stirling Council, which has already delivered business parks on four sites across Central Scotland.

(GK/JM)