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Ongoing negotiations for Aberdeen’s Countesswells Development sale

Complex negotiations persist six months after the Countesswells Development went under offer.

Ongoing negotiations for Countesswells Development in Aberdeen
Discover the latest updates on the Countesswells Development sale negotiations in Aberdeen.

Negotiations surrounding the sale of Aberdeen’s Countesswells Development are still in progress, six months after the site was put under offer. The administrators managing the sale have indicated that while some advancements have been made, the process remains intricate and challenging.

Background of the Countesswells Development

The Countesswells Development, a significant project initiated by Countesswells Development Limited (CDL), was designed to encompass thousands of homes, retail spaces, and educational facilities. However, the project faced substantial setbacks due to the downturn in the oil and gas sector, compounded by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a result, CDL entered administration in early 2022, prompting the appointment of Shepherd Chartered Surveyors to oversee the search for new ownership.

Current status of the sale

Despite the identification of a mystery buyer for the site in June of the previous year, the sale has yet to be finalized. A spokesperson for the joint administrators confirmed that the site remains under offer, and discussions with the prospective purchaser are ongoing. The complexity of the Countesswells Development, which is valued at approximately £800 million, has contributed to the protracted nature of the negotiations.

Progress on construction and community impact

Since the commencement of construction in 2015, around 900 homes have been completed within the Countesswells community, with various builders, including Barratt and Stewart Milne, contributing to the project. However, the overall plan includes the construction of over 3,000 homes, indicating that a significant portion of the development remains unbuilt. Barratt is actively engaged in the ongoing construction, with 131 homes already completed and an additional 318 planned, including the current Kings Gallop scheme.

Educational facilities and community concerns

In a recent development, local councillors decided against plans for a new secondary school, opting instead to proceed with a replacement for Hazlehead Academy, which will accommodate 1,600 pupils. This decision has raised concerns among residents, as the proposed educational facilities were considered a key selling point for many homebuyers in the area. The joint administrators have reiterated their commitment to advancing the sale process and securing a successful transaction as soon as feasible.

Looking ahead

As negotiations continue, the future of the Countesswells Development hangs in the balance. The joint administrators remain focused on navigating the complexities of the sale process, aiming to finalize the transaction and ensure the project’s continuation. The community and potential homeowners are watching closely, hopeful for a resolution that will bring the ambitious development plans to fruition.


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