Plan for £33.8 million Perthshire leisure development launched

Proposals have been launched for a £33.8m leisure-led development at West Kinfauns in Perthshire .The leisure-based destination is being proposed by plant machinery company Morris Leslie, which has its headquarters at West Kinfauns.The proposed development would include a four-star hotel, lodge-style cabins and a museum that would tell the story of transport and and vehicles over the last century.A Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council noting Morris Leslie’s intent to submit a planning application after 12 weeks of consultation.The site which lies on the route from the motorway into Perth, the plan’s backers said the development would offer great connections with the city centre with travel routes which would be enhanced as part of the development.The site has been identified as a location for a proposed park and ride, which has planning consent, and the intention is to incorporate this facility into the development, if progressed by the Council.The idea would be to create a premium destination which would draw tourism to the area, providing a ‘gateway to Perth’, which would complement the range of activities and facilities available in Perth and the surrounding area.It is estimated that once operational the development could support 170 on-site jobs in hospitality, retail and leisure roles.Estimates suggest the development could accommodate up to 80,000 visitors to the areas annually,boosting the local visitor economy.The delivery of a four-star hotel would support local leisure. With 120-150 guest rooms over four storeys this will seek to accommodate an internationally recognised brand and would enjoy expansive views across the River Tay.Located in close proximity to the motorway the proposed hotel would support functions for longer stay accommodation and the potential for spa style facilitiesThe lodge style cabins would be provided for five days plus stays for larger groups.The transport and vehicle museum would focus on Scotland and particularly the local area.It would feature Scots including Buick founder David Buick, co-founder of Harley Davidson William Davidson and Preston Watson from Dundee, who it is claimed, but not officially recorded, had the first powered flight at Errol some ten months before the Wright brothers.Twice annual display could focus on Grand Prix and racing cars driven by Scots, such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti, the story of Stagecoach, or famous Scots on two wheels.Retail space would be provided at a scale that will complement the proposed hotel, museum, lodges, existing Caledonian House office and the village of Kinfauns.A digital community consultation event will be held on Tuesday 16 March between 3pm and 7pm at www.west-kinfauns.co.uk.