October 2, 2013
Work is now underway to create Scotland’s largest new town, Chapelton, five-miles south of Aberdeen, following a founding ceremony today, Wednesday 2 October 2013.
The £8 million infrastructure work, required to service the development, is being carried out by local firm WM Donald.
Developed by Elsick Development Company (EDC) Chapelton will be an 8,000 home, £2bn town with 40 per cent green space and a focus on sustainable community living.
Over 100 guests attended the ceremony to witness the unveiling of a cairn seat in the gardens of Elsick House, which will become a civic space at the centre of the town.
The cairn seat was created by Perth-based artist David F Wilson, who used reclaimed materials from the site to create a landmark design. Those attending each added a stone to the cairn to mark the occasion.
Lord Southesk, Director of Elsick Development Company, said: “This momentous day is the culmination of many years of planning. It will be really exciting to see the diggers start on site creating what will become a thriving new sustainable community with a busy high street, schools, healthcare facilities and lots of green space on 2,000 acres of farmland.
“We have now completed a range of house designs to suit a variety of needs and with a focus on modern living. Housebuilders Zero C Holdings, AJC Homes and A&J Stephen will start to deliver the first homes from Spring 2014.
Speaking at the ceremony Aberdeenshire Provost, Jill Webster said: “Chapelton is an exciting new concept for Aberdeenshire and I am pleased to see the first steps being taken to turn the plans into reality.
“The Elsick Development Company has worked closely in collaboration with Aberdeenshire Council to ensure that this new town fits the needs of its new residents and creates a blueprint for similar developments in the future, prioritising infrastructure, facilities and open spaces.”
Facilities for those living at Chapelton and in neighbouring towns are planned early in the development. Designs are already in development for the first school, which is likely to open in 2018. EDC has also pledged to work closely with NHS Grampian to facilitate early delivery of healthcare services.
Lord Southesk said: “We have worked closely with the local community since the very early days of planning and want to enhance life for those living around Chapelton as well as within it.
“Schools will be at the heart of community life and we are working with the Council and our education specialists to deliver an exciting building that will inspire life-long education and become a hub for local people.