Stantec’s teams delivered a range of economic development services to demonstrate the long-term value of targeted investment in this rural community
03/17/2025 GLASGOW, UK TSX, NYSE: STN
Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has supported Argyll and Bute Council in securing funding for its transformational Rural Growth Deal. The comprehensive programme will now draw from £70 million of investment aimed at accelerating and developing Argyll and Bute’s economic potential over the next decade.
The Scottish and UK Governments have each allocated £25 million to the programme, and the council and its partners will contribute at least £20 million of match funding. The deal, signed on 10th March 2025, is centred around a series of projects and initiatives that connect high-value business sectors with national and international markets, support community wellbeing and prosperity, promote skills development and training opportunities, and bring tourists and new residents to the region.
Stantec’s Development Economics team has provided an extensive level of support to Argyll and Bute Council, preparing a series of in-depth business cases, feasibility studies, and market assessments, as well as planning, design, and engineering services to help secure funding for projects in the programme.
Stantec’s teams were able to demonstrate the economic and social benefits that could be realised from meaningful investment. It is estimated that the Rural Growth Deal will bring more than 70,000 visitors to the local area per year, create hundreds of new jobs, and develop 6,500 m2 of new business space.
Projects benefiting from the funding include the restoration of Rothesay Pavilion on the Isle of Bute – Scotland’s only A-listed international modernist structure – which has long been a vibrant hub of creativity and community life, the creation of a new Clyde Engineering and Innovation Cluster in Helensburgh, and the development of new worker accommodation on Mull which will support the island in attracting and retaining new residents.
“For rural communities like Argyll and Bute, investment opportunities like this can be a lifeline. They have the potential to transform both an area’s economic future and the population’s quality of life,” said Stephen Cox, Stantec’s director of economics and regeneration. He continued: “When driving project concepts forward, it’s vital local authorities can demonstrate the true long-term value and benefits behind ideas so they can grasp these opportunities to realise this potential. We’re delighted to have helped Argyll and Bute Council secure funding for these schemes which will boost productivity, address infrastructure and skills gaps, and deliver a more inclusive economy.”
Aaron Doidge, senior consultant added “We’re proud to have supported the Council reach this significant milestone and are excited about the opportunities the deal will create for communities living on Scotland’s rural west coast. It’s been a process of collaboration, and we’ve worked with fantastic partners to help drive the programme forward”.
Stantec’s economic development specialists work with local authorities to provide robust analysis and insights to identify strategic economic opportunities and help secure funding for projects through successful business case making.
About Stantec
Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.
We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more.
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Stantec Media Relations
Phone: (+44) 07928 501 112
Email: calum.metcalfe@stantec.com
