Perth leisure hub could create 170 jobs
Proposals have been revealed for a new £33.8 million leisureled development on the outskirts of Perth that will create around 170 jobs.
The ambitious plans include a fourstar hotel, lodge-style cabins, and a museum with exhibits that will “tell the story of transport and vehicles” over the last century.
The leisure-based destination is being proposed by local plant machinery company Morris Leslie Ltd, with a site earmarked at West Kinfauns.
A proposal of application notice (PAN) has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, where it has been noted that Morris Leslie intends to submit a full planning application following a minimum 12-week period of consultation.
The West Kinfauns development aims to offer strong connections with Perth city centre, including active travel routes, with plans to enhance these throughout the proposed development.
The site has also been identified as a location for the proposed park and ride, which has planning consent, and the intention is to incorporate both facilities together.
The developers hope the new West Kinfauns development will draw tourism to the area on a local and national basis, and greatly increase local employment opportunities both in its construction and once completed.
Morris Leslie, chairman of Morris Leslie Ltd, said: “This exciting £33.8m 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.”
It has been estimated that, once operational, the development will support 170 direct on-site jobs, including in the hospitality, retail and leisure roles.
It has also been estimated that the development will accommodate up to 80,000 visitors in Perth and Kinross annually.
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.”
The four-star hotel will have 120-150 guestrooms over four storeys and will be located in close proximity to the motorway with views of the River Tay.
The proposed hotel will also house support functions for longer-stay accommodation and has the potential for spa facilities.
Lodge-style cabins will be provided for longer-stays for larger groups, with the site encouraged to be used as a tourism hub.
The museum exhibits will showcase how vehicles have evolved and the impact from famous Scots, 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 10 months before the Wright brothers.
Displays could also 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.
The retail space will be provided as part of the proposed development, next to the existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.
A digital community consultation event will be held on Tuesday, March 16 between 3pm and 7pm at www. west-kinfauns.co.uk to give the public the chance to ask questions about the development.