Work starts on advanced plant science hub

Building work has begun on the International Barley Hub (IBH) and Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) at the James Hutton Institute near Dundee.

The two plant science innovation centres are being supported by £45M from the UK Government and £17M from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal. 

With completion expected in early 2024, the centres will bring together industry and world-leading science to focus on solutions for the food and drink industry regarding climate change and a green recovery from the disruption caused by COVID-19.

The multi-million-pound developments comprise state-of-the-art science, farm and field facilities, and a new access road. They are being delivered by Oberlanders and Wellwood Leslie Architects and construction business McLaughlin & Harvey under the Scape Major Works UK Framework.

To mark the commencement of the works formally, a breaking-ground ceremony was held at the James Hutton Institute campus in Invergowrie, led by both Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands and Iain Stewart MP, Under Secretary of State for Scotland, joined by project stakeholders and supporters.