Fairhurst has completed a number of civil and structural engineering projects for the James Hutton Institute, the latest being the Crop Innovation Centre.
Officially opened in October 2024, the centre spans 8000 square meters and includes the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) and the International Barley Hub (IBH). It will contribute significantly to agricultural research, supporting over 900 industry projects and creating 2,600 jobs in the UK over the next decade. This facility positions Scotland and the UK as leaders in addressing food security and sustainability challenges.
The centre boasts cutting-edge laboratories, a phenotyping centre, a pathogen laboratory, and advanced growth cabinet facilities. Additionally, it houses one of the UK’s largest high-performance data “computer farms,” supporting groundbreaking research in crop production and environmental sustainability.
The CIC is part of a £62 million investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal, supporting technological and digital innovation in sustainable crop production.
Fairhurst delivered comprehensive civil and structural engineering services for this project. Our expertise was integral during the planning phase, where we prepared the Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Desk Study, Interpretive Report, and Remediation Strategy.
Additionally, a sustainable urban drainage solution was developed, featuring a detention basin at the base of the new access road which was part of the site foul and surface water drainage strategy. Furthermore, we provided SER Certification of the Building Structures to support the Building Warrant Application.
AWARDS
Shortlisted – Scottish Structural Awards, The Institution of Structural Engineers, 2024
Photography: ©McLaughlin & Harvey
