Defence Online

Sheffield-based Henry Boot has secured a contract to develop a £333m scheme which includes a new exhibition and conference centre, four-star hotel and energy centre.The property development arm of the group, Henry Boot Developments, has concluded unconditional agreements with Aberdeen City Council for the project on the 130-acre former Rowett Research Institute site, adjacent to Aberdeen International Airport.The project received detailed planning permission at the end of 2015 and the hotel is set to be operated under the Hilton Hotels brand.This initial phase of the scheme will provide more than 800,000 sq ft of space and includes a development agreement for another 150-bedroom hotel under the Aloft brand, subject to detailed planning permission which is expected later this year.Robertson Construction Group was appointed as main contractor and has commenced work on site. Development completion is expected in the first half of 2019.In addition, the property development business has also secured planning permission for a further 400,000 sq ft of business park space, on land adjoining the exhibition and conference centre.