A MAJOR new international industrial and logistics hub which would be capable of supporting up to 8,000 jobs in Fife is set to move a step closer.

The Scarborough Muir Group has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Fife Council for the Queensferry One site at Rosyth Waterfront, which means a more detailed application for an industrial and storage/distribution development with associated infrastructure, access roads, parking and yard areas could be lodged formally this summer.

A previous masterplan envisaged a £250 million development which would have included new offices, warehouses, a service station, food outlets and a 120-bed budget hotel.

However, those behind the vision revised those plans last year and are now focusing on creating an internationally-renowned distribution hub following a resurgence in the industrial and logistics market fuelled by the impact of Brexit and COVID-19.

Scarborough Muir say the site, at the former oil fuel depot at Castle Quay, occupies an “unrivalled location” alongside the Queensferry Crossing and M90 motorway, providing immediate road access to the whole of central Scotland and beyond.

It also benefits from its close proximity to the Firth of Forth for shipping solutions and air and rail links. 

The site itself is being marketed by agents CBRE and Colliers, and both are keen to see the most made of one of Scotland’s largest and best-connected strategic employment sites.

Craig Semple, associate director at CBRE, said they were delighted to be involved with Queensferry One.

“Fife has been totally transformed over the last five years,” he said. 

“Thanks to the addition of the Queensferry Crossing, it is now a viable alternative to any of the other established industrial and logistics hubs across the central belt of Scotland.”

Lewis Pentland, associate director at Colliers, added: “There’s very little quality industrial and logistics space currently available across the Central Belt of Scotland.

“Queensferry One’s location adjacent to the M90 motorway and Port of Rosyth will play a key part in meeting the demand that has persisted over the past 18-24 months, from both national and international occupiers, who can see the clear benefits of operating from this exceptional location.”

Now the PAN application has been tabled with Fife Council, public and online exhibitions are expected to be held later this month and in April – although the dates of those have not been finalised. That will inform a more detailed application for planning permission which could come as early as mid-June.