Planning permission has been granted for a £1 million second-phase development at a former police station in Alloa, bringing a high-tech self-storage facility and smart workplace hub to the town centre.
SRA Ventures Limited submitted the plans for pioneering high-spec modular Stronghold units in the former site’s yard area. The development will be among the first of its kind in Scotland to combine digitally locked modular storage with flexible workspace facilities. The units utilise modern materials and integrated digital locking to provide state-of-the-art storage options for small businesses and tradespeople in the area.
The successful submission follows on from the ambitions of a first planning application at the prominent town-centre site, which was approved in June this year. That initial phase aims to convert the former police station into a modern self-storage facility, delivering more than 80 internal storage units across 16,000 square feet of converted space, alongside a further eight drive-up units formed from the site’s outbuildings.
Each Stronghold building at the site will be an architecturally designed modular building, fully insulated with aerogel, a NASA-developed material that ensures stable temperatures and prevents condensation. Each unit will be built from smooth, powder-coated steel panels in civic colour tones, offering the next level in smart-secure storage.
With planning permission now in place for the second phase, SRA Ventures is considering making the location the permanent UK headquarters for its Locked Self Storage brand, delivering long-term economic benefit for the town, including permanent jobs and inward investment.
The Alloa facility is also intended to serve as a pilot model for similar projects across Scotland and the wider UK as part of the group’s future expansion plans.
Shaf Rasul, Founder and Chairman of SRA Ventures, said: “Growing up in Alloa myself, I’ve been determined to ensure that this major £1 million project and private investment genuinely benefits the town, so it’s fantastic to receive planning permission for the second phase.
“The site will create local employment during construction and operation, alongside supporting small businesses and tradespeople with modern, secure storage solutions, which is noticeably lacking in the local area, while revitalising a prominent landmark site.
“Most importantly, this development is set to become our company’s UK headquarters, ensuring lasting economic and community benefit to the town where I was raised and love.”
Further information on Strongholds™ can be found at https://thestrongholds.co.uk and further information on the Alloa facility can be found at https://locked.co.uk
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Issued by Tigerbond on behalf of SRA Ventures
