A groundbreaking ceremony was performed by First Minister Alex Salmond on a Miller Construction site in Aberdeen recently.

The ceremony took place at the Justice Mill Lane development, a £75million mixed-use site owned by commercial property developer Hazledene Estates (part of the Hazeldene Group).

Main contractor Miller Construction was honoured to welcome the First Minister to the site which will be home to ‘IQ’, a 120,000 sq ft contemporary commercial office, as well as a 100,000 sq ft hotel operated by the Rezidor Hotel Group – it will be the company’s 100th Park Inn Hotel.

More than 150 jobs will be created during construction and hundreds more on completion of the office complex and hotel.

Brian McQuade, Joint Managing Director, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working on this prestigious project – we have been working in close partnership with Hazledene on a one-to-one basis for the last year to bring this project to fruition. Our collaborative approach has resulted in a number of major design developments which will result in a product which meets all of our client’s aspirations.”

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This is a tremendously exciting development for Aberdeen and for Scotland. This project is a welcome boost for the construction industry, for employment, and to Aberdeen’s commercial attractiveness.

“It is a significant investment, which shows that the Hazledene Group recognise Scotland’s potential for sustainable economic development. I am particularly pleased to get work underway to develop this site into a commercial hub which will support jobs and attract industry.”

Mark Shaw, Chief Executive at Hazledene Group Ltd, said: “Naturally we were delighted that the First Minister was there to officially mark the start of this important project.

“One of the key ways in which these businesses can differentiate themselves in a competitive worldwide market for skilled employees is by providing a world-class working environment. That is what ‘IQ’ will offer. In addition to a specification which will set new standards in the city, we have included energy saving methods throughout the design such as low energy air conditioning systems. ‘IQ’ will also use external solar control devices to achieve an energy performance rating which is 30% more efficient than standard building regulations require.

“Both the quality of space and the environmental credentials have already attracted substantial interest from prospective tenants, which is fantastic given that the ‘IQ’ site is not due for completion until March 2010.”

Email: sarah.watson@beattiegroup.com