Wallace High pupils with (back row, from left) depute leader of Stirling Council Jen Preston; Laura Wilson, social impact manager, Robertson Construction Central East; Colin McNally, executive director of estates and campus services, University of Stirling; and Reid Gilmour, operations manager, Robertson Construction Central East.

Stirling aquaculture hub build 'has benefited the community'

Editorial team
Published

A new aquaculture research facility at the University of Stirling has delivered a multi-million pound boost to the local economy in Forth Valley during the build phase, University leaders have said.

The National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) will drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainable aquaculture practice and contribute to global food security.

The £20 million state-of-the-art facility, due to open later this year, is funded by a £17m investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1m Wolfson Foundation grant and investment from the University.

Local spending

The project has met ambitious targets to deliver local social impact, with £2.64m of the project budget spent with businesses within 40 miles of the University, and £6m with small and medium sized businesses.

Throughout the build, local partnerships have been critical in fostering a range of social impact initiatives which were rolled out by main contractor Robertson Central East.

From job creation to work experience and apprenticeships opportunities, NATIH has embedded social impact at its core to drive inclusive, lasting change in communities across Stirling and Clackmannanshire.

Professor Simon MacKenzie, head of Stirling University's Institute of Aquaculture, outside the NATIH building at the beginning of August. The building is due to be handed over to the University soon.

Professor Paul A. Townsend, deputy principal (research and innovation) at the University of Stirling, said: “The new National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub at the University of Stirling will create the UK’s leading innovation community for sustainable aquatic food production, creating high value, skilled jobs and training opportunities.

"We’re proud that the construction of this exciting new facility has already supported prosperity and created opportunities for people in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and beyond, so that together we can live better, safer, healthier lives.”

Community benefits

Local community benefits from the build include: 

  • More than 80 weeks of apprenticeships delivered in partnership with Robertson and the supply chain.
  • Work experience placements provided for local young people from a range of backgrounds.
  • Ideal Candidate employability programme for Wallace High and Lornshill Academy pupils.
  • Site visits with local schools with a special focus on encouraging women into construction. 
  • Monthly food bank donations and community clean-up events delivered in partnership with local organisations.

David Cairns, managing director for Robertson Construction Central East, said: “We have worked as a partner to the University of Stirling for a number of years, delivering high-quality award-winning buildings which further enhance learning and research. As a responsible contractor, our works go beyond the physical buildings and reflect the community wealth building desires of both the University and us.

“The NATIH building will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the University as a world leader in sustainable aquaculture and has already made a significant contribution to the local community through the construction phase.”

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