Aker Solutions is in talks over a new base in Aberdeen after a major shareholder in the oilfield service group bought part of a business park development.
Aker, which owns part of the Norwegian company, said yesterday it had taken on about one-third of the D2 Business Park to be developed near Aberdeen International Airport and the route of the city bypass.
The land taken on by Aker – between the airport and the A96 Aberdeen-Inverness road – has been rebranded as Aberdeen International Business Park (AIBP).
Aker said the first phase of its site would include at least 300,000 square feet of offices, plus restaurants, cafes and a gym.
It is also hoped that a four-star hotel operator can be found for the park.
The value of the deal with D2 owner Miller Developments was not disclosed but it is believed it could be worth up to £18million.
Aker Solutions confirmed yesterday it was in talks over a potential move to AIBP but said no deal had been done.
The energy service business employs about 2,800 people at several sites in and around Aberdeen. It wants its north-east workforce to grow to 3,200 by 2015, which would make it one of the area’s biggest employers.
Construction work at AIBP is expected to start in June, with the first building completed by August next year.
Last month, Miller said the entire D2 site, which sprawls over nearly 100 acres, was a £400million development which would create up to 8,000 jobs. David Milloy, joint managing director at Miller Developments, said he was pleased D2 had its first tenant, adding: “We are confident in securing further occupiers in the very near future.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett said the development would bring enormous benefits to the north-east, adding: “Aberdeen’s economy remains strong and continues to buck the national trend by growing and attracting significant development and investment interest, not only from elsewhere in the UK but worldwide.
“The hard work of the people of the north-east is being rewarded and is getting recognition across the world. This is a great step forward for Aberdeen and fits the aspirations for the continued economic growth of the city.”