Research Centre Will Bring Up To 800 Jobs

 

© The Herald Originally published: 29/4/2005

Up to 800 jobs are to be created at a biomedical research and development centre to be built at Stirling University's Innovation Park.

The firm behind the move, Massachusetts-based Inverness Medical Innovations, is a leading developer of advanced diagnostic health products, such as pregnancy tests and blood clot monitors.

The £60m centre will be controversially sited on the west side of the Innovation Park in the shadow of the Wallace Monument. It will comprise a two-storey builiding, part of which will be built into the slope of the hill.

The design will be "contemporary" with one side mainly glass. The building, which will be visible from the monument will be partially screened by existing woodland.

Stirling Council approved the plans yesterday.

Charles McKean, the council's planning chairman, said: "It is great news for Stirling and a vote of confidence in the local area in terms of the services and amenities on offer to this major new employer.

"Stirling has been recognised as a great place to not only do business, but also to work and live."

The research and development facility will employ 500 people directly, with up to 300 associated jobs also being created.

Officials will now assess transport infrastructure to identify the impact of a rise in traffic volume, particularly at the already-busy Causeway-head and Logie Kirk Junctions.