A GROUP of local dignitaries have paid a visit to a proposed eco-therapy wellness park, located on the site of the former Barony Colliery, near Auchinleck in East Ayrshire.
Attending on the day to hear more about the proposals from community interest company (CIC) National Pride UK, were local council candidates, William Crawford, Jim McMahon, June Kyle and Neil Watts.
Also in attendance were representatives from Auchinleck Community Council, Auchinleck Community Development Initiative and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “We were delighted to welcome our guests here today so we could outline our exciting proposals for Barony Wellness to them.
“It was good to be able to outline how we intend to address this, and we would urge the community to be vigilant and highlight to the police or ourselves any nuisance or damage caused.
“As a CIC, we have the delivery of community benefit at our core and it was also good to be able to outline the considerable economic benefits, including employment opportunities, that Barony Wellness has the potential to deliver.
“Throughout the process, we have engaged extensively with the local community and the support we have received for our proposals to date has been amazing.”
Should it be consented, the 108.8-acre site will be a non-exclusive health and wellness destination, providing supportive health and mental relaxation facilities, accessible and affordable for all.
The project has the aim of developing an ecologically friendly and environmentally sensitive health and wellbeing destination, bringing people into contact with the healing benefits of nature.
Ecologies and productive landscaping will include diverse native species to broaden the range of flora and fauna to contribute to biodiversity net gain.
Action is being taken to protect wildlife and ensure public safety, as well as aiming to prevent further abuse of the site including litter and dog waste removal, pathway, and ditch repairs.
Signage will also be installed to welcome people to the site.
Bobby McCallum, vice-chair of Auchinleck Community Development Initiative said: “It was fabulous to visit the site and hear about what is being proposed, especially when it comes to the ecological benefits it will deliver.
“If consented, Barony Wellness will clearly provide some marvellous opportunities for the local community, delivering employment and training opportunities, as well as generating considerable investment.
“This is a win-win for the local area and one that we should grab with both hands.”
