Wick-based GMR Henderson has started the initial demolition and preparatory works ahead of the renovation of the two historic buildings in the Wick Harbour which will serve as the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base for the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm.
The buildings, originally designed by renowned Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1807 to support marine work in Wick, will be brought back to maritime use once complete in 2018.
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 including the small commute in the mornings. We can be part of a project that, when completed, we will be able to see and take pride in every day.”
Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL), the developer of the wind farm, appointed BAM Nuttall as the principal contractor for the renovation works on the two buildings in February. BAM Nuttall in turn hired GMR Henderson for the demolition and preparatory works.
The GBP 2.6 billion offshore wind farm is owned by SSE (40%), Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) (35%) and Red Rock Power Ltd. (25%).
Once commissioned in 2019, Beatrice will be operated from the GBP 10 million Wick base throughout its 25-year lifespan.
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.”