Bancon Homes has completed a landmark land deal with the University of Aberdeen, paving the way for the next phase of the major Rowett South development in Bucksburn.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for Bancon Homes and the wider development, which will ultimately deliver 1,700 new homes across the former Rowett Institute site. The 100-hectare site, which sits alongside the A96 Inverurie Road and extends towards Craibstone roundabout, is being transformed into a new community on the edge of Aberdeen. Alongside the homes, the masterplan includes around £17 million of investment in local community infrastructure, including a new school, health hub and retail units. The plans also include new green spaces and further investment through the local transport fund and A96 upgrades.
More than 500 homes are already complete or under construction, including 183 affordable homes. The completion of the land deal allows the next phases of the Rowett South masterplan to move forward, with Bancon Homes continuing to work alongside other housebuilders and housing associations across the wider site.
Craig Fotheringham, land director at Bancon Homes, said the deal represented an important moment for both the company and the historic site.
He said: “The completion of the sale of the land at Rowett South is an important milestone in the history of the Rowett Institute, and we are proud to be the new custodians of this historic site.
“The plans are significant and will provide housing for future generations as well as much-needed community facilities for the Bucksburn and Newhills area. We look forward to continuing our development of the site, in partnership with other housebuilders and housing associations, to develop a new community that will complete the existing housing.”
Development already underway
Bancon Homes began development at Rowett South in 2018, delivering 183 affordable homes at Kinion Place. Work is now progressing on Kinion Heights, a development of 63 private homes which is due to be completed next spring. The latest deal will support the continued delivery of the wider masterplan, with further phases of housing and community infrastructure planned across the site.
From Rowett Institute to new community
The development is taking place on the former home of the Rowett Institute, which has a long history of research into food, nutrition and human health. Founded in 1913 by John Boyd Orr, the institute’s purpose-built home at Bucksburn was opened by Queen Mary in 1922. Boyd Orr later received the Nobel Peace Prize. The Rowett Institute merged with the University of Aberdeen in 2008, creating a major centre for research into nutrition and health. In 2016, it moved to a new building at the Foresterhill health campus. Its research continues to influence the food and drink sector, including work around healthier foods, consumer behaviour and the sustainability of the food we eat.
The latest land deal marks a major step in the transformation of the former institute site, bringing forward plans for a large new residential community while recognising the site’s significant heritage.
