Work is underway to create a new Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base as part of the £2.6 billion Beatrice offshore wind farm project.

Two buildings in Lower Pulteneytown, Wick are to be redeveloped by BAM Nuttal as part of the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) scheme, providing a home for long term employees such as Offshore Technicians to Office Administrators.

Subcontractor GMR Henderson will carry out initial demolition and preparatory works for renovation of the buildings, which were originally designed by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1807 to support marine work in Wick.


The restoration work will be completed in 2018.

Steve Wilson, Beatrice Project Manager from SSE, said: "It's very important to the Beatrice team to bring benefits to the community, both during operation and construction.

"We really look forward to working with BAM Nuttall and GMR Henderson and I know their enthusiasm and expertise will help us deliver a fantastic project for both Beatrice and for Wick."

Gerald Henderson, Director of GMR Henderson, said: "These Thomas Telford buildings have stood in Wick for over 200 years and their sympathetic renovation is very important to Wickers like myself so we are very pleased to have been awarded a contract to start the renovation works.

"Of course there are many benefits to working on a project round the corner, not just the small commute in the mornings, but that we can be part of a project that, when completed, we will be able to see and take pride in every day."

(LM/MH)