Eco-friendly leisure park gets the ‘green light’
News release:
SCOTTISH BASED ENTREPRENEUR GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR £22M LEISURE PARK
Scottish based entrepreneur, Wayne Gardner-Young, today [Wednesday 25 August 2010] was given the ‘green light’ from West Lothian Council to build Scotland’s very first large-scale, eco-friendly leisure park, which will see the businessman invest approximately £22 million in to the country’s tourism industry.
With full plans now approved, work is scheduled to begin early 2011, providing 100 jobs in the building sector over 18 months, with the view of creating 250 full and part-time positions when the activity centre opens its doors in easter 2013.
Wayne says: “A scheme of this undertaking will provide a welcomed boost to Scotland’s economy, particularly at a time when we are facing challenging conditions across a range of industry sectors. Having lived in Scotland all my adult life I have witnessed the closure of many big manufacturing companies, resulting in skilled people being left out of work. This is why I am keen to extend my commitment to investing in Scotland’s skills base, and this new leisure park is the best place to start.”
Spanning over 78 acres, and resting on the edge of the A801, the site is perfectly placed for quick access from major cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.
A former sand and gravel quarry, the land has been restored over a period of five years in preparation for this major redevelopment, seeing the site undergoing an intense feasibility study conducted by RGA Associates, the company behind large structural designs including the Falkirk Wheel and Scottish Parliament.
Currently in the process of devising a succinct marketing strategy, the shrewd entrepreneur expects his leisure park to attract visitors from all over Scotland, the rest of the UK and even Europe, with the view of grossing a healthy estimated £8million in its first year.
Every space will be used to its full potential. For example, lochs will become an RYA approved sailing school’s playground, where children and adults can learn how to kayak, sail, wind-surf and water-ski.
*An outdoor kids’ activity park is set to become the focal point for many younger visitors. Consisting large-scale wooden objects including a Trojan Horse slide, wooden forts, a 100ft sailing ship, overhead climbing frames,500m zip lines. “dry “ toboggan runs and numerous other activities.
Designed to incorporate the park’s natural nautical theme, a stunning lodge, situated on the water’s edge, will be the ideal setting for wedding reception’s, a lavish private function, and a top-quality Scottish restaurant is planned for the first floor. Additionally, the lodge will provide access to a jetty in the middle of the lake, designed to accommodate 150 people for civil ceremonies.
Proposed accommodation includes 40 New England style log cabins, which can be hired or part-owned.
Wayne adds: “With the Scottish Government having set a target of 35,000 new homes per year by 2015 to meet the current housing shortage, there will be a need and a demand for places of leisure for residents to enjoy. That’s what we’re looking to deliver, a place where families can spend time together, within easy access across the central belt.”
Utterly eco-friendly, the park will benefit from a wind powered electricity supply and a geo-thermal heating system. Children will also be encouraged to visit an area within the development, designed specifically to recycle the park’s waste material.