Hey folks! I’ve got some exciting news for you today. Get ready to hear about the amazing plans for the old Comrie Colliery. Brace yourselves for a mixed-use development that will blow your socks off! Picture this: a hotel, golf course, housing, and a holiday park all in one place. Can you believe it? And guess what? It’s not just about fun and games. This project is set to generate a whopping £200 million in revenue! Now that’s what I call a game-changer.
The Comrie Development Company (CDC) is the mastermind behind this incredible venture. They recently submitted their plans to Fife Council, and let me tell you, they’re nothing short of extraordinary. The development will create a staggering 1,400 jobs during construction and provide employment for 650 people year after year. Talk about boosting the local economy!
But wait, there’s more! The proposed site is a massive 440 acres, which is equivalent to around 220 football pitches. That’s a whole lot of space to play with. CDC has some big ideas for this land. They’re planning to include a care village, a garden centre, a public park, and even a loch for water sports. And that’s not all. They’re also throwing in a renewable energy hub, business units, and a heritage centre. It’s like a dream come true!
The impact of this project on the local economy is mind-blowing. CDC estimates that they will inject a whopping £30 million into the economy every year. Plus, they’re breathing new life into West Fife’s largest vacant and derelict land site. It’s a win-win situation!
Now, let’s talk about the exciting amenities that will be part of this development. Get ready to be wowed! The plans include a fabulous 150-bed hotel with all the bells and whistles. Think wellness spa, gym, swimming pool, tennis centre, and even a shop and cafe/restaurant. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in luck! There’s going to be a ‘Fife Cooking Centre’ where you can learn to whip up some delicious local dishes.
But that’s not all. CDC has been in talks with three hotel operators who are eager to be a part of this incredible project. And they’re not stopping there. They’ve also been in discussions with Landal Green Parks, a major player in the holiday village industry. Imagine staying in one of their cozy lodges or chalets surrounded by the beauty of the old Comrie Colliery.
Now, let’s talk about leisure activities. Golf enthusiasts, rejoice! There will be a nine-hole golf course for you to perfect your swing. And for those looking to retire in style, CDC has got you covered. They’re planning a care village with up to 320 retirement properties. And if you have a green thumb, you’ll love the garden centre and cafe with a farm shop and rural foods outlet. It’s a paradise for nature lovers!
But it doesn’t stop there. CDC is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area. They’re planning to create a new 10-hectare public park with water-based sports and leisure activities. And they’re not forgetting about the woodland either. They’re going to enhance and retain 34 hectares of woodland, ensuring that nature thrives alongside the development.
Now, let’s talk about sustainability. CDC is going all out to make this project eco-friendly. They’re planning to set up a solar farm on 80 acres of land. But that’s not all. They’re also exploring the possibility of using geothermal energy from the old mine workings. How cool is that? This energy could power the development and even benefit the local community through a district heating scheme. It’s a win for the environment and the people!
To fund and facilitate the development and restoration plans, CDC is also planning to build a retirement village and 192 homes. And they’re not forgetting about local businesses. There will be land available for industrial and business units, providing much-needed space for local entrepreneurs to thrive.
CDC has been working closely with the West Fife Woodland group to ensure that the development integrates seamlessly with the surrounding area. They’re even creating new footpaths and cycleways to connect to existing paths, making it easy for everyone to explore the beauty of the region.
Transportation is also a top priority. CDC is working with Stagecoach to ensure that there are car parking facilities and public transport connections to the site. They want everyone to have easy access to this incredible destination.
Now, let’s talk about the history of the site. Mining has been a part of this area since the 1860s. The Comrie Colliery occupied the site from 1939 to 1986, leaving behind a rich legacy. CDC plans to convert the remaining pug shed into a local community museum, honoring the mining operations of the past.
Of course, there’s still work to be done before this vision becomes a reality. Enabling works alone will cost up to £55 million. But CDC is determined to make it happen. They’re projecting a leveraged investment of £150 million, which will be a game-changer for the region.
If all goes according to plan, this incredible project will be delivered in phases between 2026 and 2037. It’s a long-term commitment, but one that will transform West Fife into a thriving hub of leisure and tourism.
In conclusion, the plans for the old Comrie Colliery are nothing short of extraordinary. This mixed-use development will bring jobs, revenue, and a whole lot of fun to the region. It’s a chance to revitalize a vacant and derelict land site and create a sustainable tourism and leisure destination. So, get ready to pack your bags and experience the magic of the old coal mine. It’s going to be epic!