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Dalkeith Country ParkDalkeith, Midlothian
Case Study
Dalkeith Country Park
Dalkeith, Midlothian
www.helpingithappen.co.uk
Case Study
Dalkeith Country Park
In summer 2016, an exciting new redevelopment was unveiled at Dalkeith Country Park.
As part of Buccleuch’s long-term strategy of re-investing in core assets, this multi-million pound project – named the Restoration Yard and Fort Douglas – was designed to reinvigorate the park and introduce an even greater experience for everyone who visits it.
Buccleuch has worked with architects and many partners to create a unique destination, offering something for everyone in the family.
The old stableyard has been transformed into a truly special store, café, restaurant and wellness space. Known as the Restoration Yard, it offers contemporary shopping alongside locally-sourced, tempting food. And just across River Esk, connected by a spectacular new footbridge, the park’s well-loved adventure park has been completely re-invented and named Fort Douglas.
This striking initiative on the edge of the Scotland’s capital represents more than £7million private investment by Buccleuch, with 40 new jobs coming on stream immediately and the prospect of creating a dramatic new development for the future.
The spirit of what is being done in the new Restoration Yard is reflected in the name. It reflects the wonderful restoration of the old stableyards and their repurposing as an exciting new destination. This sensitive redevelopment has created something quite unexpected and delightful.
Though many will have fond memories of the old adventure park, young hearts will be sent racing anew at the Fort Douglas Adventure Park with a thrilling combination of turreted treehouses, aerial walkways and lofty wooden lookout platforms. Even the purpose-designed new bridge has a wonderful crawl-through tunnel that curves underneath and up again.
Meanwhile the park has been enhanced as a popular destination for outdoor lovers. The network of paths and tracks throughout the park have been refreshed, with new signage and new opportunities to explore.