Plans submitted for development of Dalkeith Country Park
A planning application has been submitted to Midlothian Council today in preparation for a series of exciting new upgrades at Dalkeith Country Park.
Owned by the Duke of Buccleuch, the 500-acre Country Park has firmly established itself as a favourite family hotspot over the past four decades.
The planning submission details proposals for further development of the Park over the coming year – it is hoped the transformation will turn the Park into a landmark destination which will encourage visitors from across Scotland to come and appreciate all that Midlothian has to offer.
The proposals outline a range of possibilities for the Park including a hi-tech adventure playground, mountain bike trails and walks together with a new food and farm shop offer within the Stable Yard which will be rejuvenated in a way that is sympathetic to the style, history and heritage of the current buildings.
Subject to planning consent and following community consultation, the plans for the new-look Dalkeith Country Park will be finalised and the preferred options implemented over the next few years.
Consultation with the local community will take place in the coming weeks and an online survey has been launched to canvass opinions on what new features locals would like to see in the Park.
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The upgrade plans for Dalkeith Country Park are viewed as a direct benefit for the local community whilst maintaining traditional access for dog owners and walkers; in addition, it is hoped that the rejuvenation plans will also create a host of new jobs for the town.
Iain Herbert, Visitor Services Manager for Dalkeith Country Park, said: “Although we are still at a very early stage, the submission of our planning application marks a significant milestone in the development of Dalkeith Country Park within its 300 year history.
“The team here are dedicated to breathing new life into this popular Park to create a memorable and unique experience for future visitors
“The views of our visitors and local residents are extremely important to us so a consultation event will be scheduled in early spring to share our vision and get some invaluable feedback on the proposed plans.
“They mark a new era for the Park and, we believe, will really put it on the map as a must-visit tourist destination; we look forward to unveiling more of our exciting developments once approval from the relevant bodies has been granted.”
Dalkeith’ s facelift has already begun with the unveiling of a new vibrant green logo and coming soon is a brand new website which will keep visitors up-to-date with all the exciting happenings at the Park.
Dalkeith Country Park is located just five miles from Edinburgh city centre.
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