New tenants are settling into council-developed business units at Haddington Retail Park – bringing a diverse range of new industry to the area.
The nine new units at the park, just off the Oaktree junction, were funded by East Lothian Council and built to a high specification with their carbon footprint and energy efficiency in mind, through renewable sources and insulation materials.
The heating in each unit is provided by air source heat pumps and tenants benefit from photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging points. Remaining units are being marketed and managed by the council’s Estates Team and interested parties should email estates@eastlothian.gov.uk
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Economic Development, met some of the new tenants on site. He said: “I am really pleased that the council has been able to provide such high-quality space for businesses to start up and grow, in the heart of East Lothian. The range of business that have moved in so far is quite remarkable and it was fantastic to be able to meet and talk with some of them on site. It’s clear that they will be an asset to East Lothian, using local suppliers and providing job and training opportunities.”
The units have planning consent for Class Four Use (office, light industrial and research and development). Each unit has a main workshop area with a separate kitchen/office area and accessible WC and they come with both allocated parking and shared visitor parking.
Nicky Redpath, Director of MP Group, which specialises in photovoltaic panels (PV) and renewable heating systems, told us: “MP Group UK Ltd plays a pivotal role in enhancing the regeneration and energy efficiency of social housing and public buildings. By prioritising regeneration and energy efficiency, we not only address the immediate needs of community homes and buildings but also contribute to the region's long-term sustainability goals.
“Our new office in Haddington marks a significant step in our growth strategy, allowing us to effectively service clients throughout the Lothians and Borders, while our main headquarters remain in Glasgow. This central location is strategically chosen to ensure timely and responsive service delivery.
“In our commitment to supporting the local economy, we are actively recruiting skilled professionals including time-served joiners, electricians, plumbers, and decorators. The Haddington office is designed to meet our operational needs, featuring easy access for our workforce and clients alike. Furthermore, it embodies our commitment to energy efficiency as it is already equipped with solar PV and renewable heating systems. This aligns with our overall mission to not only provide high-quality services but also contribute positively to the environmental landscape of East Lothian.”
Ross Cowie, Director of First Principle Design Ltd (FirstPD), which provides engineering design and investigation services for oil & gas, nuclear and subsea industries, said: “FirstPD, established in 2017, recently transitioned from offices in Musselburgh to a larger facility in Haddington Retail Park. This strategic move has provided the increased floorspace we need to expand our operations and enhance our service offerings.
“Specialising in handling systems, we are evolving from an engineering service provider to a turnkey solution provider, delivering world-class solutions for industries including nuclear, renewable energy, oil and gas, and saturation diving. Our new location in Haddington has enabled us to prototype small equipment builds and receive parts for onward distribution to our carefully selected manufacturing partners.
“As we take on larger and more complex orders, we are committed to leveraging the local supply chain and collaborating with other businesses in East Lothian. These partnerships will play a vital role in facilitating our turnkey product offerings while contributing to the region's vibrant economy.”
Andrew Johnston, Inspection Director of Innovair, which develops and deploys advanced inspection robotics for the energy sectors, said: “Innovair is thrilled to establish our new base at Haddington Retail Park, a location that provides strategic access to key regions, including the Central Belt, Forth and Tay and Northeast England. Headquartered in Aberdeen, this expansion reaffirms our commitment to Scotland’s thriving energy sector and supports regional job creation, with new roles opening in inspection and robotics.
“Our investment in this new base underscores our dedication to delivering innovative inspection solutions that advance Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Other current tenants include small manufacturers and local businesses. There are three units still available on flexible lease terms, ranging from 52.3 sqm (563 sqft) to 142.1 sqm (1,530 sqft) with one unit also having a substantial yard. Rents for the smaller units start from £8,800 per annum plus service charge.
Full details of the terms can be found in the particulars on our website.