PLANS have been revealed for a five-star adventure waterpark to be established in West Lothian, creating a major visitor attraction for the area that will also support new jobs.
Wild Shore – which already operates in Dundee, Delamere, Liverpool and New Brighton, and involves the same people behind the successful Foxlake centre in East Lothian – is set to be a unique new feature at the historic brickworks and quarry in Winchburgh.
The project involves a seven-figure investment and will initially create up to 15 part-time and three full-time jobs, plus more in construction.
Wild Shore Winchburgh will offer activities including cable wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and – for the first time in Scotland – the company’s unique ‘Aqua Chimp’ floating ropes course. The facilities will also include changing rooms and a café.
The centre will be easily accessible within one hour for more than half of the Scottish population.
The deal to create the water park has been recently struck between Wild Shore and Winchburgh Developments Ltd, with the next step being to submit plans to West Lothian Council. Opening is scheduled for 2024.
The announcement comes as a consultation begins on designs for Daisy Park, in which the Wild Shore facility will sit. The park is adjacent to the Union Canal and the new marina in the heart of the expanding town.
Callum Mark, Director, Wild Shore, said: “We are delighted to announce our plans to create a brand new site at Winchburgh, in the heart of an exciting and growing community. Wild Shore will bring its unique brand of water-based adventure activities and 5-star customer service to Daisy Park. We look forward to working with the schools and community alongside Winchburgh Developments over the next couple of years as the park is developed into an exciting and diverse space for all to enjoy. We pride ourselves in being able to deliver water activities to all within a safe and managed water environment, along with encouraging many more people to enjoy outdoor swimming in a safe way”.
John Hamilton, Chief Executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, commented: “This is a huge development for the area and will help put West Lothian on the map as one of the most exciting visitor destinations in Scotland. Wild Shore is a well-respected outdoor adventure company and have got an excellent track record of creating spaces that capture the imagination. We’re very pleased to have a partner like them on board to bring new life to the former quarry.”
Spanning 352 hectares, Winchburgh is one of the largest placemaking projects currently underway in the UK delivering at least 3,800 homes, improved transport links, employment opportunities, schools and outdoor spaces.
The full design boards from the consultation can be seen at www.winchburghgreenspaces.co.uk
Any enquiries should be directed to Penny Lochhead, Community, Sports and Greenspace Manager on 07802 500991 or penny@winchburghdevelopments.com.
