MACDONALD HOTELS WELCOMES MASTERPLAN APPROVAL
An £80m master plan developed by Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort (MAHR) was given outline approval subject to conditions. It is expected the move will bring in excess of 500 jobs to the area over the next few years.
The announcement paves the way for the second phase of the Resort, which has already benefited from a £50m boost over the last 10 years. The plans were approved at a meeting by the Cairngorm National Park Authority and will result in a mix of commercial, retail, housing and leisure.
Donald Macdonald, Chairman of MAHR, said: 'This is great news for the Highlands. The future success of Aviemore will feed through to other parts of the Highland region helping to attract visitors and bring lasting prosperity to one of Scotland's most attractive destinations.
'More housing, commercial and retail developments will complement the growing leisure facilities which will benefit both local people and tourists alike. The need to balance the interests of the economy with our natural environment is a tough challenge, but with goodwill and the support of the local community, I believe we can achieve a positive result.'
The masterplan includes provision for a three-acre public park and car parking off Grampian Road, a 45,000 sq ft supermarket, office space, an increase in retail space of approximately 90,000 square feet and the potential for an ice rink, ice arena and climbing wall.
As the investment and development progresses, MAHR has pledged to encourage further public consultation on specific details such as design.
Donald continued: 'Progress made to date is in large part due to the unstinting support of Bank of Scotland. Without their input a project of this size and importance would not work.
'There is a growing appetite to make a success of this development, and a recognition that the competition in the tourism market is getting stronger, and demands a product of the highest quality that can compete on the world stage.'
Andy Seaton, Director of Corporate Banking, Bank of Scotland, said: 'We are pleased at the award of the planning consent which secures the future of the Resort.'
The announcement paves the way for the second phase of the Resort, which has already benefited from a £50m boost over the last 10 years. The plans were approved at a meeting by the Cairngorm National Park Authority and will result in a mix of commercial, retail, housing and leisure.
Donald Macdonald, Chairman of MAHR, said: 'This is great news for the Highlands. The future success of Aviemore will feed through to other parts of the Highland region helping to attract visitors and bring lasting prosperity to one of Scotland's most attractive destinations.
'More housing, commercial and retail developments will complement the growing leisure facilities which will benefit both local people and tourists alike. The need to balance the interests of the economy with our natural environment is a tough challenge, but with goodwill and the support of the local community, I believe we can achieve a positive result.'
The masterplan includes provision for a three-acre public park and car parking off Grampian Road, a 45,000 sq ft supermarket, office space, an increase in retail space of approximately 90,000 square feet and the potential for an ice rink, ice arena and climbing wall.
As the investment and development progresses, MAHR has pledged to encourage further public consultation on specific details such as design.
Donald continued: 'Progress made to date is in large part due to the unstinting support of Bank of Scotland. Without their input a project of this size and importance would not work.
'There is a growing appetite to make a success of this development, and a recognition that the competition in the tourism market is getting stronger, and demands a product of the highest quality that can compete on the world stage.'
Andy Seaton, Director of Corporate Banking, Bank of Scotland, said: 'We are pleased at the award of the planning consent which secures the future of the Resort.'
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