Multi-million pound leisure development revealed for Perthshire
The £33.8 million plans have been revealed by Morris Leslie Ltd.
Last updated 18th Jan 2021
Plans for a new £33.8 million leisure-led development in Perthshire have been revealed.
The West Kinfauns proposal from Morris Leslie Ltd aims to include retail, a four-star hotel, lodge-style cabins and a museum telling the story of transport and vehicles over the last century.
A proposal of application notice has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council with an online community consultation to be held on Tuesday March 16 between 3pm and 7pm.
The development would incorporate a park and ride also planned for the site, which already has planning consent, if progressed by the local authority.
Morris Leslie, chairman of the plant machinery company which has its headquarters in the area, said: This exciting £33.8 million development provides the perfect opportunity to maximise the potential of the location and draw tourism to the area on a local and national basis.
Well-connected to the surrounding road network, including the A90, this premium destination will provide a gateway to Perth, to the surrounding area and beyond.
The proposed scheme is of a scale that can support additional development and is ideally placed in terms of transport connection.
It is also in a beautiful location with wonderful views.''
As part of the plans, the hotel from an internationally recognised brand'' would include 120-150 guestrooms over four storeys with views of the River Tay.
Retail space would also be provided complement the hotel, museum, lodges, existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle said: This leisure-led development has the potential to make an exciting contribution to the local economy.
These plans, although at an early stage, are a significant vote of confidence in Perth and Kinross and our ambitious plans for the area, which include the redevelopment of Perth City Hall to house the Stone of Destiny and the creation of the Cross Tay Link Road.''
Key elements of the development include:
1. Four star Hotel
The delivery of a four-star hotel will support and bolster the leisure stay market in Perth.
With 120-150 guestrooms over four storeys this will seek to accommodate an internationally recognised brand, enjoying expansive views across the River Tay.
Located in close proximity to the motorway the proposed hotel will enjoy excellent connections into Perth, with support functions for longer stay accommodation and the potential for spa style facilities
2 Lodge style cabins
Lodge style cabins will be provided for longer stay for larger groups (five days plus), with the site encouraged to be used as a tourism hub.
3. Museum
A museum will tell the story of transport and vehicles over the last century, with a focus on the impact of those from Scotland on this and more specifically the local area. This will showcase how vehicles have evolved and the impact of Scots on this sector, including David Buick (founder of Buick), William Davidson (co-founder of Harley Davidson), and Preston Watson from Dundee who it is claimed, but not officially recorded, had the first powered flight at Errol some ten months before the Wright brothers.
It is also the intention to put on feature displays which will change twice annually. Such displays could focus on Grand Prix and racing cars driven by Scots, such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti, the story of Stagecoach, or famous Scots on two wheels.
4. Retail
Retail space will be provided at a scale that will complement the proposed hotel, museum, lodges, existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.
A digital community consultation event will be held on Tuesday 16th March between 3pm and 7pm at www.west-kinfauns.co.uk.
This will give the public the chance to ask questions about the development to the consultants and provide views on the proposals.
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