ABZ DEAL - INVEST ABERDEEN

what is a City region deal

The Aberdeen City Region Deal is the agreement between the UK Government and the Scottish Government with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Opportunity North East (ONE) as one delivery mechanism for the Region’s economic vision which focuses on transformational investment supporting the evolution of the region's key sectors, sustainable business growth and creating green jobs for the future. It follows the signing of a Heads of Terms Agreement in January 2016.

The refreshed Regional Economic Strategy approved in 2024 provides both an economic strategy for the region and a blueprint for sustainable economic growth that governments, local government, employers, the private sector and partner organisations can draw on as responses are developed across a number of priorities for the region.

GOVERNANCE

The Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee drives and governs the implementation of the City Region Deal programme and its links to the Regional Economic Strategy. It works to maximise the economic benefits of the Deal. It is made up from three Aberdeen City Council Councillors, three Aberdeenshire Council Councillors and three Opportunity North East Board Members.

ANNUAL REPORT

The 2023/24 Annual Report, produced for the Joint Committee and the UK and Scottish Governments, highlights the progress made and the developments expected in the future. This report demonstrates the significant impact of the Aberdeen City Region Deal investment on the City Region Deal area. You can find details of all the projects within the scope of the City Region Deal in the annual report and on each project's website below.

Digital engagement team

The report also includes information about the Aberdeen City Region Deal Digital Engagement Team. This team directly supports residents, businesses, and communities with matters related to digital connectivity. They collaborate with stakeholders across all levels of government and the telecoms industry to promote and support national connectivity improvement programs such as Reaching 100%, Project Gigabit, and the Shared Rural Network. Through their efforts, they provide accurate and reliable information to the public and offer bespoke advice to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure solutions, improving digital connectivity for any group or individual across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

Key Projects

aberdeen south harbour

Completed in August 2023, the £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour of Port of Aberdeen connects customers to what they need, where and when they need it, through innovation, commitment, and environmental sustainability.
The new facilities are creating new opportunities for energy transition activities, including renewables and decommissioning, attracting new cargo to the port and generating increased tourism through cruise traffic around the North Sea.

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ONE Biohub

The £40 million ONE BioHub on Aberdeen's Foresterhill Health Campus opened in August 2023 and provides start-up, spinout and scaling life sciences businesses with the resources and infrastructure to work on modern health challenges and turn research into innovation.
Growing the life sciences sector is a regional economic priority and will contribute to the Scottish and UK sector targets for innovation, collaboration and commercialisation.

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ONE seedpod

ONE SeedPod is a £27 million food and drink industry innovation hub launched in Aberdeen on 14 March 2025. Led by Opportunity North East (ONE), it is the largest public-private investment in Scotland's food and drink manufacturing sector. The hub provides businesses with facilities to scale production, develop new products, test innovative processes, and access industry expertise.

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NET ZERO TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (FORMERLY OGTC)

Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) develops and deploys technologies that reduce emissions, unlock the full potential of an integrated energy system and propel the energy industry towards a digital, automated, decarbonised future.
The Centre does this by co-investing with industry to fund and develop technology projects, working in partnership with pioneering technology developers; supporting clean energy start-ups through their annual TechX accelerator programme; collaborating with partners across the world. Through its newly launched Net Zero Technology Services business, they also provide clients with insights and foresights on current and emerging technologies, helping them navigate and accelerate their journeys to net zero and make the right technology investment decisions.

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digital connectivity

Improving the region’s digital infrastructure is key to the long-term future of the local economy. It will drive innovation through the better use of physical and digital assets to enhance public and private service delivery, to tackle inequality and to improve social outcomes.
The Aberdeen City Region Deal provides the opportunity to create a sustainable infrastructure from which the region can transform into a world class digital area. The Digital programme has been delivered across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Three exciting new projects are in progress to deliver 5G networks in the region, allowing the North East of Scotland to begin commercially utilise the opportunities of 5G technology.

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Transport

Two transport projects are being progressed within the City Region Deal, the Strategic Transport Appraisal, a Transport Review and External Transportation Links to Aberdeen South Harbour.
The Strategic Transport Appraisal is a key element of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, tasked with considering the future transport needs of the region over the next 20 years.

The External Transportation links to Aberdeen South Harbour will deliver improved road access, as well as public transport and active travel measures, to the new Harbour and support the Energy Transition Zone.

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what is a City region deal

GOVERNANCE

ANNUAL REPORT

Digital engagement team

Digital Connectivity

Three exciting new projects are in progress to deliver 5G networks in the region

ONE SeedPod to boost high-value food and drink manufacturing

The ONE SeedPod food and drink industry innovation hub to boost high-value manufacturing was launched in Aberdeen on Friday, 14 March

Over 50 emissions reduction technologies identified in latest technology roadmap from NZTC and NSTA

Deputy First Minister announces Scottish Brain Sciences as anchor tenant in ONE BioHub

Fast-growing life sciences startup Scottish Brain Sciences was announced as the first anchor tenant at the ONE BioHub innovation hub on Aberdeen’s Foresterhill Health Campus.