Public urged to have say on big money plans for CairnGorm Mountain
There is still plenty of scope for changes to eye-catching – and potentially controversial – plans for a new Day Lodge and associated facilities on CairnGorm Mountain.
Natural Retreats had outlined proposals costing £6.2 million in summer last year when they took over the attraction, but have revealed they are now looking at a much larger investment in the region of £10 million to £15 million.
Part of their vision for the future was laid out in an pre-application exhibition which went on show to the public earlier this week at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore, and has now moved onto the resort itself.
The replacement Day Lodge – to be built partly with a loan of £4 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise should the development get the go-ahead – includes food and drink outlets, retail, ski and bike hire, a creche, an adventure zone, gym and overnight staff accommodation.
A free sports building – providing a hub for state-of the art facilities – is also planned.
The exhibition was very much focused on the new Day Lodge itself, and there was little other detail on the sports building or plans for an artificial ski slope, snow-making equipment and upgrades to uplift.
The omission did disappoint some of those viewing the proposals but Natural Retreats has pledged that a review of uplift is to be carried out as part of their five-year plan.
Mr Adam Gough, the company’s head of technical services, said of the extra investment: "The difference between then and now is that our aspirations have got bigger and we are roughly looking at a project costing between £10 million and £15 million."
Mr Gough said it looked as if between 40 and 50 new jobs throughout the year would be created including part time and full time roles, and it would allow seasonal staff hired in the winter to stay on longer.
As for the Day Lodge which includes a courtyard and links in with the base station, he explained: "This is not a detailed design. It terms of the look and the shape, this can all change.
"It will take on board the advice we are getting from the public consultation but also from the statutory consultees.
"We would like to submit our plans in early January, however, will we be ready at that point? We do not know.
"What we have to design is a building which can survive the environment and is iconic enough to look attractive and appealing but also something which can be developed in phases because at the same time we also have to maintain the on-going commercial operation.
"We can only develop on the mountain when the snow has melted and the wind does not blow so there is only a finite amount of time each year which prolongs the building process. Before the end of 2018 could be a realistic target (for completion)."
He is urging those who have not so far viewed the exhibition to come along and have their say.
It will be on show at the base station at CairnGorm Mountain next Wednesday (November 4) and Thursday November 5, from 11.30am to 7pm.
