THE multi-million pound 'eco-therapy wellness and leisure park' that will be created at an old coal mine near Kelty will be even bigger after the owners bought more land.

National Pride (St Ninians) Ltd aim to redevelop 930 acres at St Ninians and Loch Fitty and have now added another 46 acres with the purchase of Thornton Wood from Hargreaves.

They want to develop a beautiful parkland with places for relaxation and rejuvenation to boost mental and physical health, and say the plans will create jobs, support local businesses and put more money back into the local economy.

The initial proposals include ‘wellness lodges’, geodesic domes, tree houses and mobility-accessible lodges, a technology park and areas set aside for guest entertainment while, at Loch Fitty, there are plans to restore the trout fishery, establish a wellness spa complex and create an aquatic centre for rowing and sailing.

Irene Bisset, from National Pride (St Ninians) Ltd, said: “We are excited to add Thornton Wood to our portfolio as it enables the full potential of the area to be realised.

"It also greatly enhances the potential of the wider St Ninians development project.

“Our plans are always under review and are maturing to deliver a project that is beneficial to the area in terms of employment and increasing the local community’s economic strength."

Technical director Andy Whitlock added: “Our latest acquisition expands access to the B914 and Junction 4 of the M90, addressing potential local traffic management issues which would otherwise be problematic to a development project of this size.

“It also allows refinement of the overall project plan allowing more of nature to be incorporated between the proposed built areas to realise a carbon-zero-plus eco-friendly development.”

The original site was bought from Hargreaves in May and the combined 976-acre site aims to promote health and wellness in mind and body, while at the same time delivering an exciting leisure, entertainment and tourism destination.

National Pride said buildings of innovative design, "sensitively blended amongst landscaped bio-diverse ecology sanctuaries", will use the existing landscape contours to minimise any impact on existing wildlife in the development’s construction.

New observation areas on the former Fife Earth Project landform structures, created by renowned artist Charles Jencks and known locally as the ‘walnut whips’, will provide visitors with remarkable views.

They added that use of renewable energy technology will be sympathetic to the natural environment and was part of their commitment to the climate emergency, while aiming to ensure that "rejuvenation of redundant land can be environmentally-friendly and kind to our planet".

The development’s aim is to bring considerable benefits to the local community and there is a commitment to reinvest 10 per cent of National Pride’s net profits into community projects.

They've already helped bring back the Scottish Coal Carrying Championships to Kelty by acting as the main sponsor for the August event and, after the race's "amazing success", they aim to continue to support it.

Phil Rayson, regional director of Hargreaves Land, said: “We are delighted to help facilitate the transfer of Thornton Wood to National Pride (St Ninians) Ltd and assist them in their delivery of a fantastic tourism and leisure development which will produce significant benefits to both local and wider communities in Fife."

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