Crown Estate Scotland signs new agreement with Angus Council to develop ZeroFour Hub

he signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Crown Estate Scotland and Angus Council. Pictured, left to right: Angus Council leader, Councillor David Fairweather ; Angus Council Chief Executive, Margo Williamson; Crown Estate Scotland Chief Executive, Simon Hodge; Crown Estate Scotland Chair, Amanda Bryan

Crown Estate Scotland and Angus Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, entering into an agreement to work together to develop a clean growth enterprise hub, with supporting infrastructure, in Montrose, Angus.

The 123-acre ZeroFour hub, purchased by Crown Estate Scotland in June 2020 is considered to have strong potential to create a large-scale hub for supporting the development of the blue and green economy, particularly the offshore and wind sector, as well as other economic catalysts.

This partnership aligns with Crown Estate Scotland's strategic aim to support the development of Scotland's blue economy, and forms part of Angus Council’s long-term plans to drive sustainable development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and create renewable solutions for transportation and energy across Angus and the wider Tay Cities region.

Angus Council leader, Councillor David Fairweather said: “This is fantastic news for Montrose and further endorses the long-term sustainable development work we are doing across Angus through our Mercury Programme.

“This exciting opportunity brings major benefits to Montrose, creating a green economic boost to the region whilst taking us one step further to enhancing the role Angus plays in renewable energy, food production, hospitality and retail sectors.

“We look forward to working together with Crown Estate Scotland and its partners to help deliver a multi-million-pound clean growth enterprise hub in Montrose.”

Crown Estate Scotland’s Built Development Manager, Jamie Macfarlane said: “ZeroFour will be developed to include industrial, warehousing, offices and start-up units as well as space for higher technology partners, and the supporting services for those travelling to or working and training there.

“Ensuring that the hub is environmentally sound, with innovative energy efficient systems and high-quality infrastructure, will be a key priority during design. We are also in talks with a local college about a partnership which will support people to learn new skills.”

UK Government Minister, Iain Stewart said: "The ZeroFour site will play a major part in building Angus' new green economy, bringing jobs, businesses and investment to the region.

"The UK Government's £26.5 million Angus fund is helping local partners to achieve this as part of our £1.7 billion support for regional projects that are levelling up communities across Scotland."

Historically, ZeroFour was the first operational RAF training airfield in the UK, taking its name from the original runway call sign ‘04 22’. The site has planning permission in principle for a mixed-use business park including, industrial units, offices, and warehousing. Crown Estate Scotland and Angus Council are exploring adding further planning classes for food and retail services to support the ZeroFour hub, a drone port and a hotel with conference facilities.