Date Created: 12 June 2012
Prestwick International Aerospace Park has been chosen as the site of one of Scotland’s four new Enterprise Areas, recognising its excellence in the aerospace sector.
The Park – together with the Creative Clyde site in Glasgow – will form one of the first Enterprise Areas in Scotland, covering manufacturing and growth sector opportunities.
The three other Areas will focus on life sciences, low carbon technologies and renewable energy – and all will benefit from special financial incentives to stimulate private investment, create jobs and boost economic growth.
Other incentives announced by the Scottish Government include "swift" planning procedures, improved broadband, targeted capital allowances and international marketing.
The 34-hectare Prestwick International Aerospace Park, adjacent to Glasgow Prestwick airport in Ayrshire, 30 miles south-west of Glasgow, comprises 70,000 square meters of commercial property available for development.
The area is home to 12 aerospace companies including Spirit AeroSystems and BAE Systems, which have contributed to the cluster’s world-class reputation for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aero structures and design engineering.
Announcing the new Enterprise Areas, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, said: “We are doing all we can to support jobs and create the best possible business conditions to achieve sustainable economic growth for Scotland. Enterprise Areas are another means to help us achieve this and form a key part of our Government Economic Strategy.
“We are taking this innovative sectoral approach as it will make better use of resources and target investment where it will be most effective. It will also allow us to build on the momentum that Scotland has been generating in life sciences, renewables, aerospace and the creative sector as well as promote partnership working.
“In addition, we will consider opportunities presented by the emerging National Broadband Strategy to help make Enterprise Areas as attractive as possible to investors whilst Scottish Development International will provide inward investment assistance."
Jim McFarlane, Scottish Enterprise’s Managing Director of Operations, said: "The new Enterprise Area programme is great news for Scotland and will be key to encouraging greater business growth and investment.
“We particularly welcome the focus on manufacturing and anticipate that all the designated areas will offer significant potential to stimulate and deliver new jobs in some of Scotland's leading industry sectors such as renewable energy, life sciences and creative industries.
“Enterprise Area status will further enhance each location's offering and help give a competitive edge in today's current challenging investment environment."
Find out more about Scotland's Enterprise Areas