A formal planning application has been submitted to West Lothian Council for the creation of a new park on the site of the Winchburgh Brickworks.
Daisy Park, which is part of the approved masterplan for Winchburgh, sits adjacent to the Union Canal and the new marina in the heart of the Winchburgh community.
The designs for the park are said to have been ‘heavily influenced’ by the local community, reflecting the historic brickworks and retaining areas of biodiversity. The park will also include a wild learning garden and viewing points across to the Forth bridges.
John Hamilton, chief executive, Winchburgh Developments Ltd, said, “This isn’t just another new park for the community. Its design has been significantly influenced by the community too.
“The plans have been subject to extensive consultation and the proposals that are going in for approval reflect the feedback that we had from many Winchburgh residents. Some of the locals still remember the brickworks when it was operational and we know many of them are looking forward to seeing the old industrial site take on a new lease of life.”
The planning application can be viewed on the West Lothian Council planning portal. A public consultation report detailing the full engagement and feedback activities are part of the submission.
As part of the plans, Winchburgh will welcome adventure waterpark operators, Wild Shore, to the site. Wild Shore, which already operates in Dundee, Cheshire, Liverpool and New Brighton, is set to create a water-based visitor attraction. The team behind Wild Shore also operate Foxlake Adventures in East Lothian.
The park will become home to activities including cable wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and – for the first time in Scotland – a floating ropes course over water called Aqua Chimp. The facilities will also include changing rooms and a café.
Callum Mark, director, Wild Shore, commented, “We are delighted that the planning application has been submitted. The community consultation has been an invaluable exercise in gaining a unique insight into the village’s history, exciting future and the strong community driving expansion and change.
“We have been blown away by the support the project has received and can’t wait to start working with local schools, youth groups, voluntary organisations and the wider community to create a truly special facility for Winchburgh and beyond.”
Wild Shore Winchburgh will manage the quarry water under a 30-year agreement with Winchburgh Developments.
