SRA Ventures Limited has reaffirmed its commitment towards plans for a high-tech self-storage and smart workplace hub, investing £1 million into the former Alloa Police Station site.
A first planning application at the prominent town-centre site to convert it into a modern self-storage facility was approved in June, bringing over 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.
SRA Ventures Limited has now responded to feedback on a second planning application seeking permission for pioneering high-spec modular Stronghold units in the yard area, using modern materials and integrated digital locking to provide state-of-the-art storage options for small firms and tradespeople in the area.
Each Stronghold building is a architecturally designed modular building which is fully insulated with aerogel, a NASA-developed material which 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.
If approved, the Alloa facility would become a model for similar projects across Scotland and the UK. SRA Ventures would make the location the permanent UK headquarters for its Locked Self Storage brand, ensuring long-term economic and community benefit.
Shaf Rasul, Founder and Chairman of SRA Ventures, said: “As someone who grew up in Alloa, it means a great deal to me to lead this project, which would represent a major private investment in the town. The site will create local employment during construction and operation, support small businesses and tradespeople, and revitalise a prominent landmark site.
“Most importantly, if our first site launches in Alloa, our company’s UK headquarters will also be permanently based here, ensuring long-term economic and community benefit to the town where I was raised and which I still love.
“With over £1 million of direct investment into this project, we understand there has been some confusion as the application was initially described as storage containers as opposed to what they are – high-tech modular buildings. But the planners have been very helpful in agreeing to update the confusing description on the planning portal.
“We urge decision-makers to support the application because, as an Alloa local, I would much prefer to see this pioneering project, and the associated jobs and headquarters, rooted here.
“Even with positive engagement with councillors and planners elsewhere in Scotland, I remain committed to Alloa as our primary location for this project. It would be a shame to not see the green light here, which would benefit so many local businesses in the community, and to have to take these plans elsewhere.”
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
Source: Alloa Advertiser
