Destination Hillend: Plans to transform snowsports centre set to take off in New Year
The design includes proposals for one of the UK's fastest zip-wires
Last updated 21st Dec 2022
Ambitious plans to transform Midlothian Snowsports Centre into a multi-activity leisure attraction - which includes one of the UK’s fastest zip wires - is set to get off the ground next month.
Once completed, Destination Hillend will also offer indoor soft play and climbing, shops and a high-quality food court, all housed in a modern, energy-efficient building, which will be fully accessible by bus.
Work is due to begin in January on a new junction, access road, car park and landscaping that are key to delivering the Pentlands attraction.
The New Year will also mark another milestone when the council invites tenders for Scotland’s first Alpine Coaster - a type of roller coaster where the sled runs on rails - complete with a unique 360 degree turn feature.
The zip wire is designed to reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour and be routed over the roof of the new building.
Council chiefs have announced a planning application for the proposed development will be submitted in the spring. The local authority also plans to lease land for glamping next to the activity centre.
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Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Douglas Bowen said: “We’re hugely excited to reach another key stage in this project to turn the snowsports centre into a national, if not international, tourist attraction and to safeguard the future of a facility already well-loved by everyone from Olympians to novice snowboarders.
“We make no apology for the scale of our ambitions – we’re confident the project’s unique location in the foot of the Pentlands, and the quality and breadth of what will be on offer, will push visitor figures up from around 139,000 a year to an estimated 485,000.
“The centre already boasts the longest and fastest dry ski slope in the UK and the only one with a chairlift, along with a well-used new fun slope, and other attractions like tubing.
“However, the building itself is no longer fit for purpose so we need to breathe new life into what has potential to be one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the UK.”
The council has been working with a leading management consultancy in the leisure sector to look at the projected economic benefits of the venture.
It is estimated 150 full-time equivalent jobs will be created during construction, and up to 157 full-time equivalent jobs from when the facility is finished.
The project is forecast to bring in just over £1 million a year to the council once finished, helping support other council services and benefit the wider local economy by up to £3.8million.
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Councillor Bowen said the road and access improvements, car parking and landscaping will make a significant impact on cementing the project’s future success.
“The work, starting in January, is a significant push forward," he said, "as the improved access will bring key benefits to our project helping create a tourism hub at this location.
“The new junction, for example, will also enable infrastructure for planning a hotel and Pentland Bike Trail centre on neighbouring sites, while the updated road will allow coaches and buses to drop people off right outside the main entrance.
“The current bus terminus from the A702 will move to adjacent to the main entrance at Destination Hillend creating direct link to Edinburgh city centre.”
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Meanwhile an expanded and improved car park will have spaces for more than 400 vehicles.
Councillor Bowen added the Alpine Coaster could be taking its first passengers before the end of 2023, while the zipwire could be open by spring 2025 and the building finished by later in 2025.