Plant machinery company Morris Leslie, which is headquartered in West Kinfauns, has unveiled plans for an ambitious leisure-based destination. This includes a four-star hotel and lodge-style cabins, as well as a new museum that will explore the evolution of transport and vehicles over the last 100 years, with a particular focus on the those from the local region.
Perth and Kinross Council has received a Proposal of Application Notice which notes Morris Leslie’s intent to submit a planning application, following a minimum 12-week period of consultation. The site has also been chosen as the location for a park and ride scheme, which already has planning consent, and the plan is to incorporate the two facilities together.
Boosting tourism in Perth and Kinross
The development aims to boost tourism in the area, as well as improving local employment opportunities. It will complement the activities currently on offer in the region and could also support 170 jobs on-site, including in hospitality, retail and leisure roles.
Able to support up to 80,000 visitors in Perth and Kinross per year, the plans include a 120-150 room four-star hotel, as well as lodge-style cabins for larger groups.
Meanwhile, the proposed museum will highlight Scots who have made an impact on transport over the past century, such as David Buick (founder of Buick), William Davidson (co-founder of Harley Davidson), and aviation pioneer Preston Watson. Retail space is also included in the plans, to complement the museum and accommodation facilities, as well as the existing Caledonian House office and Kinfauns village.
Morris Leslie, chairman of Morris Leslie Ltd, says, “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.”
Councillor Murray Lyle, council leader, says, “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.”
On 16 March 2021, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during a digital community consultation.
Elsewhere in Scotland, the £13.8 million ski resort Destination Hillend near Edinburgh has been granted planning permission in principle.
