A major construction milestone has been reached at the new business park development beside Oban Airport with the completion of the main building’s steel frame structure.
The project, being delivered by Argyll and Bute Council, is designed to support the growth of aviation, engineering and logistics industries in the region while creating new opportunities for investment and employment.
To mark the occasion, representatives from Argyll and Bute Council, hub North Scotland and Robertson Construction Northern signed the steel frame before it is enclosed within the building.
A total of 111 tonnes of structural steel has been used in the project, representing a major stage in the construction programme.
Much of the steel was produced using electric arc furnace manufacturing, a lower carbon process that makes use of high levels of recycled steel.
The development sits on a brownfield site around six miles from Oban and immediately beside the airport itself.
Alongside new infrastructure aimed at supporting future business growth, the project will also provide a purpose built search and rescue base for Bristow Helicopters.
Earlier this year Oban Airport was confirmed as one of two seasonal helicopter bases for the operator, supporting emergency response services across the west coast and surrounding islands during peak periods.
With the steel frame now complete, construction will move forward into roofing, cladding and internal fit out works.
The overall project is expected to be completed in December 2026, around 12 months after groundworks first began.
The business park forms part of the council’s wider Tax Incremental Financing Pilot Project for the Lorn Arc Area, which aims to unlock long term economic development across the region.
The wider ambition is to attract private investment, support higher value employment opportunities and help tackle population decline in Argyll and Bute.
Funding for the project includes £7.7 million from the Community Regeneration Partnership Fund alongside £7.25 million already committed by the council through the TIF infrastructure fund.
Future phases of development are also expected to support aviation related growth linked to unmanned aerial vehicle technology following recent trials involving services to remote and island communities.
Community benefits attached to the construction programme include apprenticeships, graduate placements, work experience opportunities, school engagement and support for the local supply chain.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader Councillor Jim Lynch said:
“Developing this business park is about investing in Oban’s long term future.
“It is about delivering opportunities for our economy and communities.
“I welcome this progress.”
Richard Park, Chief Executive of hub North Scotland, said:
“This is a landmark stage in what will be a transformational project for Oban Airport and Argyll and Bute Council are to be applauded for their forward thinking vision.
“This development will act as a catalyst for the business park and help create further opportunities to provide a sustainable and resilient future for the airport site.”
Ian Phillips, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction Northern, said:
“Reaching this stage of the project represents a significant milestone for the team and our delivery partners.
“The completion of the steel frame provides a clear visual indication of how the site is taking shape and the role it will play in supporting future growth at Oban Airport.
“Working in close partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and hub North Scotland, we remain committed to delivering a high quality facility that aligns with the long term ambitions for the site.
“With the frame now complete, the project will continue at pace into the next phase of construction.”
