The former Barony Colliery in Auchinleck, Scotland, is set to become an eco-wellness park, with a gross development value of around £50m.
The move comes after a planning permission in principle was granted by East Ayrshire Council. The next steps will see developer Barony NP lodging applications for the delivery of various elements of the scheme.
The park is expected to enhance the tourism industry in East Ayrshire, stimulating local economic growth, encouraging inward investment, and creating local jobs. Proposals also include construction of a mining heritage museum.
The development will also aim to incorporate the latest in renewable energy technology, including geo-thermal energy from mine water beneath the surface.
Barony NP is a joint venture between community interest company National Pride UK and funding platform IntroCrowd. A proportion of the profits accrued from the development by National Pride UK will be reinvested back into community wellbeing projects and to support NHS student training.
National Pride UK chair Irene Bisset said: “We understand and accept the imposed conditions including the mitigation of any adverse impacts on the biodiverse nature networks and the natural environment on this site, which we will achieve through careful planning and design.
“Our hope is to continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver wholly sustainable and ecologically friendly solutions that will achieve the best development outcome for this beautiful site.”
The application received strong backing from local organisations, including Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Auchinleck Community Council and Auchinleck Community Development Initiative.
See more planning information for East Ayrshire>>
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