Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus development takes a significant step forward

There has been a significant step forward in the development of one of the key projects of the £100m Moray Growth Deal.

The architect services contract award to create a new state of the art facility in Lossiemouth for the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC), has been awarded through a competitive tendering process to NORR.

The MAATIC is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £12.3 million from regional partners as part of the Moray Growth Deal.  The facility, led by Moray College UHI, will house three strands of work within the MAATIC project – the Aviation Academy, the Advanced Technologies Institute and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise led Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray (MICM)

NORR were founded in 1938 in Canada, with over 80 years’ experience in commercial architectural design NORR today operate across the world backed by a team of 700 professionals in architecture, engineering, planning and interior design.  The company, which has an active base in this region, also has a great deal of experience with similar projects, including the Sutherland Space Hub.

Winning the tender unanimously against 11 other companies the reviewing panel were very impressed with the submission and the company’s overall understanding of the concept and requirements of the MAATIC project.

The MAATIC project concept and design phase is due to start in March 2021 and will take the project to the next step towards the construction phase due to start in April 2022.

Dr Gary Campbell PFHEA, Vice-Principal Strategic Development for the University of the Highlands and Islands:

"The awarding of this design contract marks a significant step in the development of what will be a Moray-based hub of applied engineering excellence. The MAATIC will provide a leading role in generating innovative ideas and will be a catalyst for research and sharing of ideas and knowledge. It will be an iconic and mould-breaking facility where an ecosystem of college, university, industry, and the public operate together to identify, develop, and share new and relevant ideas in the spheres of aviation, aerospace and applied advanced technology."

David Patterson, Principal and Chief Executive, Moray College UHI who are the lead body for the MAATIC project:

"We are delighted with the award of the architect services contract to NORR for the concept and design of the MAATIC building. In their submission NORR demonstrated their depth of experience working with similar projects and won the tender unanimously against 11 other excellent proposals. This project will provide high level skills training in Moray and will help to attract high-skilled jobs into our region. It is an exciting step in the development of the innovative MAATIC project and the overall Moray Growth Deal. We look forward to seeing the project develop towards the construction phase starting in 2022."

John Baird, Managing Director at NORR:

 “We are proud to have been selected as the Architect for the Moray Aerospace, Advanced Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC). Our approach is highly collaborative and based around a detailed understanding of our client’s vision – combined with local knowledge and experience of delivering higher education, aerospace, and advanced engineering projects. We look forward to working with the University of Highlands and Islands, Moray College UHI and the wider stakeholder group to deliver their vision for this flagship project.”

Stuart Black, Moray Area Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise:

“We are pleased to be a partner in the MAATIC development which will be a flagship project for the Moray Growth Deal. Our own growth deal project, the Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray, will be co-located on the Lossiemouth site and provide support for existing and new manufacturing businesses. It will assist the economic recovery from Covid and create new employment opportunities in an area which is renowned for high quality food and drink, textiles, advanced engineering and timber products.”

Moray Growth Deal is a £100million investment in Moray economy. The deal supported by both Westminster and Scottish governments and includes 8 projects which will support the creation of new jobs, protect existing jobs and support economic growth for Moray over the next 10 years.