Local businesses in Perth and Kinross are being invited to attend a series of public exhibitions to get involved in the development procurement process for the construction and operations at a proposed wind farm on the Bandirran Estate, near Balbeggie.
Hamilton-based Banks Renewables, is holding two exhibitions on September 2nd and 3rd to update local communities on plans for the Bandirran Wind Farm and alongside this will run business targeted ‘Meet the Buyer’ events.
Banks Renewables is committed to employing local firms during the development of its wind farms and will offer a commitment of around 15% to 20% of the £26 million estimated total construction cost would be spent on contracts with local firms.
One such local business which has already benefited from this commitment to local firms is Allison Enterprises, who were appointed to provide specialist fencing around the test mast installed in July this year.
Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables, said: “We have a strong commitment to supporting local communities in the development of our wind farms.
“Spending money locally and using local firms that employ local people are very important parts of fulfilling our commitment.
“I would urge all local businesses that feel they could have a role in developing this wind farm to come along to these events and find out more. It is only through their support that we can maximise the economic benefits that could result from the development of the Bandirran Wind Farm.”
During the construction of the wind farm, contracts will be required for construction and maintenance, ground works, quarry and building products, plant hire and haulage, waste solutions, fabrication, aggregates, utilities, professional services, hospitality and many more
Invitations have already been sent out to over 100 businesses across Perth and Kinross and Banks Renewables is expecting a strong response and hopes that many will come along and take the opportunity to find out more.
Experts from Banks Renewables will be on hand to guide businesses through the procurement processes and support them in pre-qualifying for tender lists.
This is the second series of exhibitions held by Banks Renewables and will confirm the final details of the Community Partnership offer for the Bandirran Wind Farm which has been developed based on feedback from members from the local community and various meetings with community councils.
COMMUNITY SHARES
The partnership offer secures for the communities a 2.5% share of the annual gross revenue from the operating wind farm, should it be approved. This revenue can then be used by local groups and organisations to support projects and initiatives that are close to the heart of the community and which they wish to see delivered.
Based on current estimates, the revenue share alone, would earn for the communities around £168,000 per year on average during the life of the wind farm, should the proposals go ahead; around £4.2M over the life of the wind farm.
The two exhibitions will be held on September 2nd at St Martin Public Hall, Balbeggie and September 3rd at Inchture Hotel, Inchture, both from 3pm – 7pm.
Locals will also get a chance to see the changes which have been made to the wind farm’s design over the last few months and which has taken account of feedback received at the last round of exhibitions as well as from direct discussions with community groups, the Council and other consultees like Scottish Natural Heritage.
Banks Renewables has extensive experience working with communities across Scotland to successfully design and deliver major energy and property and regeneration schemes; making a positive impact on the environment, the economy and the life’s of local people.
Equivalent projects by the firm have resulted in the creation of jobs and training initiatives, provision of community infrastructure, delivery of major environmental projects and direct funding into community groups.
The Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk) is a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs 400 people in the renewable energy, property and mining sectors. The company’s “development with care” approach underpins all community consultation and seeks to deliver environmental excellence in all areas of our business.
