Another Destination Hillend milestone reached
Work is due to begin in January 2023 on a new junction, access road, car park and landscaping that are key to delivering Midlothian Council’s ambitious vision for Destination Hillend.
Alpine Coaster coming
The New Year will also mark another milestone when the council invites tenders for Scotland’s first Alpine Coaster, complete with a unique 360 degree turn feature.
One of UK's fastest zipwires
The transformation of Midlothian Snowsports Centre in the Pentlands into a multi-activity leisure attraction will also include one of the UK’s fastest zip wires, reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres an hour and routed over the new building.
Multi-activity centre
Once completed, Destination Hillend will also offer indoor soft play and climbing, shops and a high-quality food court, all housed in a modern, energy-efficient building, which will be fully accessible by bus.
Planning application in spring
The planning application for the building will be submitted in the spring. The council also plans to lease land for glamping next to the activity centre.
Safeguarding the centre's future
Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Douglas Bowen said: “We’re hugely excited to reach another key stage in this project to turn the snowsports centre into a national, if not international, tourist attraction and to safeguard the future of a facility already well-loved by everyone from Olympians to novice snowboarders.
Unique location
“We make no apology for the scale of our ambitions – we’re confident the project’s unique location in the Pentlands and the quality and breadth of what will be on offer will push visitor figures up from around 139,000 a year to an estimated 485,000.
New funslope and tubing popular
“The centre already boasts the longest and fastest dry ski slope in the UK and the only one with a chairlift along with a well-used new funslope and other attractions like tubing.
Current building not fit-for-purpose
“However, the building itself is no longer fit for purpose so we need to breathe new life into what has potential to be one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the UK.”
Projected economic benefits
The council has been working with a leading management consultancy in the leisure sector to look at the projected economic benefits of the venture.
Jobs created
It is estimated 150 full time equivalent jobs will be created during construction and up to 157 full time equivalent jobs from when the facility is finished.
Generating income
The project is forecast to bring in just over £1 million a year to the council once finished, helping support other council services and benefit the wider local economy by up to £3.8million.
Cementing the project's future
Cllr Bowen said the road and access improvements, car parking and landscaping will make a significant impact on cementing the project’s future success.
Work starting in January
“The work starting in January is a significant push forward as the improved access will bring key benefits to our project helping create a tourism hub at this location.
Updating road and access
“The new junction, for example, will also enable infrastructure for planning a hotel and Pentland Bike Trail centre on neighbouring sites, while the updated road will allow coaches and buses to drop people off right outside the main entrance.
Easy to get to by bus
“The current bus terminus from the A702 will move to adjacent to the main entrance at Destination Hillend creating direct link to Edinburgh city centre.”
Bigger car park
Meanwhile an expanded and improved car park will have spaces for more than 400 vehicles.
Timescales
Cllr Bowen said the Alpine Coaster could be taking its first passengers before the end of 2023, while the zipwire could be open by spring 2025 and the building finished by later in 2025.