Stewart Milne Construction has begun working on a major £18m retail park in Inverurie outside Aberdeen.

Scheduled to open in April 2009, 80% of the 96,000 sq ft (8,918 sq m) development is already pre-let to national retailers including Homebase, Argos, Lidl, Currys, Halfords and Acorn Pets all of whom are new to Inverurie. The development by County Down-based Northburn Developments Limited will bring 200 retail and over 100 construction jobs to the area.

Inverurie Retail Park, which is located in the town centre, next to the railway station, will boast 380 customer car parking spaces and substantially improve the town's already very successful retail offer.


Alan Mitchell, Director of Northburn Developments, said: "This is a very significant project for Inverurie and Aberdeenshire generally. The total investment will be in the order of £20m, and to be 80% pre-let to such strong national retailers at this early stage is a huge testament to the trading strength of one of Scotland's fastest growing towns."

Commenting on the contract award, Bill Imlach, managing director of Stewart Milne Construction, said: "This is an important contract win for us in our heartland of Aberdeen, and builds on our strong order book. Inverurie Retail Park is a welcome addition to the area's retail offer and, with plans proposed for an adjacent new public park, the development will enhance the town for both visitors and residents."

(GK/NS)