A potential new luxury development by Fotheringham Homes has been announced as part of a multi-million-pound proposal at a major North-east landmark.
The Gourdon-based developers are proposing to build 10 homes on land near to a site which would house a new £3.5million visitor centre at Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven. The sale of the land, in a location that has been carefully chosen, would importantly bridge a crucial funding gap in the delivery of the centre.
George Pearson, owner of Dunnottar Castle has now submitted a Proposal of Application (PoAN) to Aberdeenshire Council for the development and the exciting proposal would importantly address a longstanding issue for the Castle, being the only attraction of its size in Scotland without a dedicated facility for the 135,000 (2019 figures) visitors and tourists who come to visit the cliff top fortress each year.
Director at Fotheringham Homes, Michael Fotheringham, said: “We are excited to be part of this new development which will add to Dunnottar’s attraction for visitors from around the globe.
“As with all our developments, these homes will be designed and built to the highest quality, using finishes and materials which are in keeping with the surrounding area.”
Dunnottar Castle has become an increasingly popular attraction and to service this popularity, meet ever growing expectations and importantly enhance the visitor experience, the need to build a dedicated Visitor Centre has become clear.
Commenting on the proposals, George Pearson, owner of Dunnottar Castle said: “I am delighted that the local community and all those with an interest in Dunnottar will have the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals. My family has a long association and close affinity with the Castle, and I know that many in the local area will feel a strong attachment to it too.
‘’To meet growing expectations and importantly enhance visitor experience, there has been a need for some time to build a dedicated facility. Careful thought and consideration have gone into the concept and proposed design of the Visitor Centre.
‘’Sitting adjacent to the existing Lodge with extensive views of the Castle, the Visitor Centre would comprise a café, shop, interpretation space, toilets and importantly additional parking. Whilst this new experience would address current issues, it would also provide a platform to increase visitor numbers, which importantly also provides additional footfall for other local businesses and Stonehaven.
“An economic impact appraisal undertaken by BiGGAR Economics forecasts that the Visitor Centre will nearly double the local economic impact through increased spending and more jobs, with Gross Value Added rising from £1.5M to £2.9M.
‘’Overall, the proposals seek to provide a high-quality facility and new opportunities to showcase the fascinating role the Castle has played in Scottish history. Its design and the proposed enabling housing development aim to respect the importance of Dunnottar as a local landmark and the overall sensitivity of the site.’’
Due to the current situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) it is not possible to hold traditional Public Exhibitions. The developers will therefore be holding an Online Consultation where all those with an interest in the proposals can view and importantly provide feedback.
The Online Consultation is now live and can be viewed here – comments should be returned no later than 5pm 24th November 2021.
The Online Consultation will be supplemented by an interactive chat session (via the project website) with the project team that will be held on the Wednesday 10th November 2021 from 5pm-8pm.
A second Online Consultation will also be held ahead of the submission of a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council.
Established in 2002, Fotheringham Homes is a family owned and managed company, drawing on over 35 years of building experience. They pride themselves on building quality homes and providing their clients with a superior buying experience.
Located in selected areas across the north-east of Scotland, Fotheringham Homes have established an excellent reputation for creating stunning individual developments in Montrose, Inverbervie, Stonehaven, Marykirk, Portlethen and Blairgowrie.
Phase one of their current development, The Beaches in Johnshaven currently had 86% sold, before the showhome had even opened.