Radiation Clearance Paves Way for £500M Business Park at Montrose

Experts have confirmed that the former RAF Montrose site is free from radiation, clearing the way for the proposed £500 million business park. This significant development, known as the Zero Four project, aims to create approximately 2,000 jobs in the Angus region. The site, which became the UK’s first operational military air base in 1913, has been inactive since its closure in 1952.

The project is being led by Crown Estate Scotland, which has submitted documentation to Angus Council detailing the results of a recent survey. This survey was conducted to assess the presence of any potentially hazardous wartime materials, including radium-containing aircraft parts that were buried in the area after World War Two. Notably, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had previously identified a list of potentially radioactive sites in 2012, though Montrose was not included.

Survey Results and Community Support

A gamma radiation sweep of the Montrose ground has confirmed it is free from contamination, with low-level readings primarily attributed to natural radioactivity found in local stone chippings. The Montrose Air Station Museum played a crucial role in identifying specific areas of interest during the survey process. In 2022, museum officials were already involved in excavating improvised explosive devices from World War Two, further underscoring the historical significance of the site.

Angus Council has expressed strong support for the Zero Four project, emphasizing its potential to provide long-term benefits to the local economy. According to the council’s economic development department, this initiative aligns with other planned developments in Montrose, such as the Skills Academy and the redevelopment of existing sites. The council stated, “Existing employment areas in Montrose are nearing full capacity, limiting opportunities for inward investors and local business expansion.”

The proposed business park is expected to cater to multinational corporations and supply chain companies, addressing the demand for commercial space in the area. Angus Council has reported that its commercial property portfolio has maintained occupancy levels above 93% for an extended period, indicating a robust market for business expansion.

Future Developments and the Mercury Programme

In addition to the Zero Four project, Angus Council is advancing plans for a drone port as part of the Mercury Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s technological capabilities and infrastructure. Shore-to-ship flight trials were conducted back in 2021, although a fully operational drone port in Montrose may still be a decade away.

As the Zero Four project progresses, local leaders are optimistic about its potential to transform the Angus economy and create a hub for innovative green and blue businesses in the north-east. The community’s engagement and support for this venture reflect a shared vision for economic growth, sustainability, and job creation in the region.