Forres firm that put solar panels on Edinburgh Castle to revive derelict eyesore site
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AES Solar has purchased the long-abandoned former Tesco site in Forres which has sat idle for more than two decades.
The renewable energy company now plans to create what it calls a 'solar hub' on the site less than 100 yards away from its existing offices.
George Goudsmit, AES Solar’s managing director, said: ""The land has laid vacant and unkempt for too long and it’s time to do something about it.
"When the opportunity to purchase this land became available we just knew we had to snap it up.
"We've been wanting more space for a while and had already looked at two other sites, but both of them fell through – and it's fortunate for us that they did because this is ideal.
"Our vision includes economic growth and community development, and we are hoping this will bring some fun and joy to the local area."
During the Covid pandemic the company was able to double its staff.
It currently employs 35 and hopes this number may grow now it can build more office and storage space.
Within the hub, the company aims to promote renewable energy while continuing to manufacture its solar water heating systems.
It will also create around 15 fast-charge parking spaces for electric vehicles.
The site on Lea Road will now receive a comprehensive clean-up to remove all the overgrown vegetation.
It has lain derelict since the Tesco store was abandoned in 2002, and later demolished in 2014.
Over the years there have been numerous attempts to do something with the site which have all fallen through for various reasons.
In February last year the Scottish Government granted planning permission to a proposal to build affordable housing after Moray Council had earlier rejected it.
As a response to this AES Solar stated it would have to relocate if housing was built due to problems with access.
Speaking this week Jamie Di Sotto, AES Solar's commercial director, said: "We have always championed the need for affordable housing in Forres, however this particular plot of land presented unique challenges.
"Due to the heavy goods vehicles requiring access to the AES Solar office, safety concerns for children in a residential setting would have been an ongoing issue.
"By re-purposing the land for renewable energy initiatives, we can better use its resources to contribute positively to our local community."
Founded in Moray during 1979, AES Solar is the oldest manufacturer of solar thermal collectors in Britain, and one of the oldest in western Europe.
In the past, the company has fitted solar energy systems at Benromach Distillery, Edinburgh Castle and the winning house of Channel 4’s Grand Designs in 2018.
