Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has been appointed lead consultant on the construction of a new retail park on the outskirts of Banchory.

The instruction follows Aberdeenshire Council granting planning permission to Banchory Estates to build three retail units and a drive-thru cafe on land behind the town’s Tesco store.

It is anticipated that the development will bring Lidl, Home Bargains, Starbucks and M&S Food to Banchory.

Hardies Managing Partner Martin McConnell said: “As lead consultant on this exciting project we will undertake a range of project management duties, including full Quantity Surveying, Principal Designer and Energy services.”

As part of the design team, Hardies will work alongside IDA, Architects, Goodsons, Structural Engineers and Horizon, M+E Engineers. Work is anticipated to start on site this summer.