A masterplan that backers say could attract £100 million of investment to Angus and create up to 500 jobs has been unveiled.
Residents across the county are being urged to give their views on the major regeneration proposals for the south of Montrose, which could see the town become a hub for the offshore renewable energy and chemical sciences markets.
The Draft Development Masterplan for the port and harbour area has been put together by consultants Ironside Farrar, on behalf of partners Angus Council, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Montrose Port Authority, Scottish Enterprise, Tayside and Central Scotland Transport Partnership (TACTRAN), WJ Reid, Carrs Fertilisers, Piggins & Rix and Housebuilders Montrose.
The document is a blueprint outlining the infrastructure needs, potential economic impact and marketing that would come into play to transform the site.
The total cost of the combined construction and development is estimated at £21.7 million, which includes all building and infrastructure works, but excludes investment by GSK.
The masterplan claims to identify vast potential for economic growth at the port, including the opportunity to increase commercial and industrial distribution.
A commitment from GSK represents a large section of the plan, with up to 250 jobs said to be hanging on the future of its Biopharm development.
A further 220 could be created through construction of an offshore renewables operational and maintenance facility, coupled with improvements to services at the port. It would allow offshore energy firms to use the site for storage and maintenance of wind turbine towers and blades.
There would also be 30 jobs associated with the construction phase of the development plan, which would see significant changes to infrastructure over a 10-year period.
The area surrounding the port would be subject to extensive improvements and a new south Montrose spine road would be constructed.
Infrastructure services convener and local councillor David May said the document sets out the public-private sector approach needed to achieve the economic and physical regeneration of the south Montrose area.
He added: “This draft masterplan outlines some exciting opportunities for Montrose and Angus. I would urge local people to view the masterplan and give us their feedback on the proposals.”
The plan is available to download at angus.gov.uk/MontroseMasterplan, with copies also held at Montrose Library and Montrose Access Office.
A mini-exhibition, where the public can discuss the proposals with council officers, will be held on October 13 at the George Hotel between 10am and 8pm.
The deadline for consultation responses is Friday, October 28.