The proposal involves a whiskey bond, solar farm, large and small scale industrial units, a logistics and distribution hub and more.
(Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
Ambitious plans have been lodged to build a new business park on the site of the former Kirklandside Hospital in Kilmarnock.
Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal that the proposal involves a Whiskey Bond, solar farm, large and small scale industrial units, a logistics and distribution hub and more.
Agents in the ‘Bellfield Business Park’ proposals are Kilmarnock-based Thomson Hunter Associates and the applicant is Northern Ireland firm J&A Developments.
It is unclear at this stage how much the potential investment could be, or how many jobs could be created.
The proposed site, near the Bellfield Interchange, would extend from the existing Kirklandside Hospital site down to Whatriggs Road, Kilmarnock, and is approximately seven hectares in size – the equivalent of almost 10 football pitches.
However, based on the size of the proposals, it could be significant to the local area and economy.
The planning application is seeking permission in principal to build industrial storage and distribution units, (four large and 12 small) with “ancillary infrastructure, parking and landscaping.”
The above shows the smaller of the logistics hubs situated at the site entrance(Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
In terms of the Whiskey Bond, it would be sited ‘strategically’ at the entrance to the park to create a “striking and aesthetic appearance” and provide a ‘welcome’ to visitors and others using the park.
The entrance to the site would be from the east, accessed off Whatriggs Road, while 12 smaller industrial units would be sited in the centre of the site.
An active travel walkway is also part of the proposals, as is a new bus stop with a “self-sustaining green roof and access to solar power.”
There is also space for EV charging points and storage points for bicycles.
This image shows the overall scale of the proposed development (Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
It is understood that meetings between the developers and Transport Scotland and Ayrshire Roads Alliance have already taken place regarding the Bellfield Interchange and the proposed development’s active travel plan.
There would be parking provision for around 136 vehicles, with 10 accessible spaces, plus 12 large bays.
In terms of the solar farm, it would be sited at one of the highest points over the area, facing south.
Despite historic mining activity on the site of the solar farm, the applicants state they can “work around this.”
A design and access statement said: “The proposal aims to develop an industrial business park, housing a variety of industrial units including logistic and distribution hubs on a currently vacant site.
“This has been inspired by East Ayrshire Council’s plan for industrial development in this area, as part of the local development plan.
An image of the smaller scale industrial units(Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
“The site is located on the old Kirklandside Hospital site, neighbouring the Bellfield Interchange in the south of Kilmarnock.
“This site is ideal for industrial development due to its great accessibility as well as its vast size, reducing the appearance of overdevelopment.
“Following a period of research and design development, planning permission in principle is now being sought for the agreed design.”
The application also reveals that the masterplan would be “bordered by trees and greenery” to create a “sound and pollution barrier” from the road.
The Whiskey Bond would be sited ‘strategically’ at the entrance to the park to create a “striking and aesthetic appearance”(Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
The applicants are confident their proposals will:
* Reduce the effects of climate change and contribute to net zero targets
* Create good quality and accessible places, which support the health and wellbeing of all citizens
* Deliver new and improved infrastructure, including green and digital infrastructure, to assist in creating good quality places
* Drive economic recovery and growth and ensure there is access to employment opportunities
* Protect and enhance East Ayrshire’s diverse natural environment and habitats and help tackle the nature crisis
The development will feature an Active Travel walkway (Image: Thomson Hunter Associates)
Their design and access statement adds: “A skills and employment plan will be provided by the client outlining how the development will maximise the benefit to the local economy and create employment opportunities for people in the local area.
“The introduction of this new industrial development will increase employment by creating new job opportunities for the local people which helps reduce unemployment rates and boosts income levels in Kilmarnock and surrounding areas.
“The development also creates economic growth through the introduction of new businesses and technology to the area.”
Historically, the site housed Kirklandside Hospital, a community hospital managed by NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
Kirklandside Hospital was demolished in 2021 (Image: kilmarnock Standard)
The hospital provided consultant-led services for elderly patients and had 25 long-stay beds for inpatient care, but was primarily a day hospital that provided assessment and rehabilitation facilities for the local community.
When the facility was no longer needed, its closure was announced in 2018 and the building was demolished in 2021, leaving the site empty.
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The proposals can be viewed on East Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in November.