A vacant industrial unit in Dundee once used by the defunct Torith Group could soon rise from the ashes, creating a hub for one of the country’s largest energy providers.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) wants to turn the site, on Macadam Place in the Dryburgh Industrial Estate, into two-storey offices with operational yard.
The energy giant, which supplies electricity and gas to more than 10 million homes in the UK and Ireland, has lodged a planning application with Dundee City Council.
It is to be determined by the end of next month.
An SSE spokesman said the move underlined the company’s commitment to the city. He said, “We have submitted a planning application for the site.
“If we are given permission we are going to bring together our existing Scottish and Southern Energy operations in the city, along with our related company, Scotia Gas Networks, which has an office in Perrie Street.”
He added, “This is good news for Dundee and really plants a stake in the ground that we are committed to the city.”
If given the go-ahead, the office space will accommodate all 130 Dundee employees.
The building is also earmarked to house the latest in energy-efficient technology to cut its greenhouse emissions as well as overheads.
The spokesman said, “It would also allow us to share all our existing assets.
“It is going to be for holding existing employees at the moment but who knows what the future holds. We are a growing business and we are always looking for new opportunities.”
Although it is not known how much money SSE spent in securing the site, the firm says it will make a further “significant investment” if planners give the green light.
All going well, SSE aims to open the new facility within the current financial year.
Construction and engineering firm Torith was one of the most high-profile employers in Tayside, Fife and Angus to fold as a result of the recession. A total of 110 people lost their job when the business plunged into administration.
Its demise came at around the same time that other well-known businesses, such as Foreman Construction and Clachan Construction, were also forced to close.