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Aberdeen fish market redevelopment study
The Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) is embarking on a plan to redevelop its Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market and has commissioned a consultant to assist to bring the project to fruition.
The project involves conducting a detailed feasibility study, submission of a redevelopment proposal for the Town Planning Board's approval, modification of land lease, and a joint venture with a developer for the development and construction of the market.
The project will take about five years to complete.
At the first stage, a feasibility study, scheduled to be completed in three months, will look into various options and financial implications of redeveloping the fish market which was built more than 40 years ago with design and facilities now very much out of date.
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Lawrence Lee, signed the contract with the consultant this (Thursday) afternoon in his capacity as Director of Marketing.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Lee said the Administration had been considering plans to redevelop the Aberdeen fish market so as to meet the modern day needs of the community and local fishermen.
He said: "With its prime location in the heart of Aberdeen, the market site has the potential of redevelopment into an integrated market complex of high commercial value similar to the fishermen-wharf-type developments in Sydney, Seattle or San Francisco.
"The project aims to provide improved and modernised fishing port facilities.
"Apart from re-provisioning the existing wholesale fish market, it will accommodate important supporting facilities for our fishing fleet under one roof. These include fishing equipment stores, vessel servicing workshops, cold stores and fish processing factories.