Titanic backer eyes key role in £450m plan for Ayrshire
● Talks under way with consortium at Loudoun Castle ● Planning inquiry into proposals to start next week
The developer behind Belfast’s Titanic Quarter regeneration scheme is in advanced talks to take a major role in a £450 million leisure, tourism and residential development planned in south-west Scotland.
Dublin-based Harcourt Developments is in negotiations with the owners of the Loudoun Castle estate in Ayrshire where redevelopment plans will potentially create more than 1,000 jobs.
If the talks are successful, Harcourt will become a key part of the consortium behind the proposed redevelopment of the site which houses the former Loudoun Castle theme park.
The Loudoun Woods consortium aims to transform the 576-acre Loudoun estate into a world-class tourism and leisure development, the first of its type in Scotland.
The planning application for the Loudoun Woods Resort has been “called in” for determination by Scottish ministers due to the potential national economic benefit. The inquiry will begin in Kilmarnock on Monday.
Paul Manning of Harcourt said: “We are engaged in very positive discussions and hope to be able to conclude an agreement to join the Loudoun Woods consortium.
“The site’s historic setting, great transport links and proximity to some of the world’s most famous golf courses, gives it massive potential to become one of the UK’S most successful tourism destinations.”
As part of the plans, the castle would be restored ahead of potential conversion to a luxury hotel. The outline planning application also includes holiday lodges and indoor sports facilities, including a tropical swimming lagoon. About 1,000 energy-efficient homes will be a key part of the development and will provide the funding to restore the castle.
The Loudoun Woods consortium is headed by David Mace, who founded the Sea Life concept in the UK and has served as a director on the boards of several leading leisure companies.
He said: “Loudoun Castle will be an all-weather, worldclass holiday destination, which will attract visitors from all over the UK, create major economic benefits for Ayrshire and become a core part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
“The fact that Harcourt is considering becoming part of the Loudoun Woods consortium and making a significant investment in Scotland, speaks volumes for the quality and international scope of what we are planning.” Womenswear retailer Karen Millen is set to open a store in Glasgow’s upmarket Princes Square shopping arcade, pictured above. The firm, which operates stores in 65 countries, is relocating to the centre from Buchanan Street. The new store is set to open its doors in mid-november, with the move following on from other openings at Princes Square, including chocolatier Hotel Chocolat and Epoch, described as “an exciting new independent restaurant”.