Plans for Multi-million MTB Park in North-East Scotland Unveiled
Following the group's year-long feasibility study, which considered three potential sites for the new development, Durris Forest, situated between Stonehaven and Banchory in Aberdeenshire, was selected. The £10million community-based project aims to bring more visitors to mountain bike in Scotland and boost domestic adventure sports tourism.
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
NETCO chairman Martin Byers said: “It’s the perfect time to launch our vision of a multi-adventure activity mountain bike park, which we firmly believe is greatly needed in Aberdeenshire. Our plans represent an opportunity to inspire more people to discover outdoor sports in a natural environment, bolster Scotland’s current mountain biking facilities strategy, create jobs and help bring sustained growth to our local economy.”
He added: “Durris is an excellent venue due in part to its convenient proximity to Aberdeen and surrounding towns. It’s rural but easily accessible from the A90 and new Western Peripheral route once opened. This really enhances the location’s potential to achieve our vision and attract people here from across Scotland, the UK and overseas.”
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
The proposed facility will span some 256 hectares with more than 45km of purpose-built trails graded for all abilities. Concept trail network plans include cross-country singletrack, downhill runs, flow trails, natural enduro trails and a pump track. And it could be the first mountain bike park in the UK to install a mechanical open-air chairlift, designed primarily for mountain bike users.
“Bikers will have quick access to the Cairn-Mon-Earn summit in an open double-seated chair. It will create the truly memorable fun and fast-paced downhill mountain bike experience that is expected of a modern day world-class facility,” Mr Byers added.
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
A new outdoor snow sports centre is included in the group’s concept designs. If plans go-ahead, it is believed to be the first mountain bike project in Scotland to feature dry slope skiing and snowboarding facilities. Mr Byers said that the group wants to create a “multifaceted adventure sports facility” with mountain biking at its core. He added: “Incorporating snow sports enhances the appeal of the development for everyone and opens up market opportunities."
Graeme McLean, project manager at Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), part of Scottish Cycling, said: "There is no doubt that the north-east of Scotland represents the country's final geographical gap in provision of large-scale MTB amenities. Given the large number of local enthusiasts, as well as the tourism potential, it makes eminent sense for a new trail centre to be developed in Aberdeenshire. NETCO's emerging proposals are exciting and ambitious and would not only fill this gap in provision, but would propel the region towards becoming one of the UK's leading MTB destinations."
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
The proposals feature an environmentally-friendly ‘hub’ building, boasting a restaurant, children’s play zone, education and corporate meeting rooms, well-being centre, bike shop, snow sports and bike rental, changing rooms, bike repairs and wash. Included is a 150-space car park and six-space large bus parking area.
Accommodation for visitors in the form of glamping is proposed. Some of the development’s adventure pursuits could include ziplining, orienteering, toboggan runs, and tubing.
Mr Byers said that the group’s proposals are still in development. “NETCO is actively working with the local mountain bike community and public, during these initial planning stages, to find out what facilities everybody would like us to put forward within the overall proposals,” he said, adding: “We’re confident that the final plan will be regarded as world-class in terms of its design, construction and product offering.”
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
Now the group intends to apply for a community asset transfer (CAT) of land at Durris. A NETCO-led project team of professional advisors will be formed to manage the development’s design and build phases, and secure funding, if plans get the go-ahead. Construction will be planned in phases, the first of which NETCO said would focus on building mountain biking trail networks and installing an uplift facility. The group intends to operate and maintain the facility if approved. Public consultations with the local community will take place early next year ahead of a formal planning application to Aberdeenshire Council.
![Plans for 10million mountain bike park in north-east Scotland unveiled]()
MENTIONS: @NETCO
NETCO chairman Martin Byers said: “It’s the perfect time to launch our vision of a multi-adventure activity mountain bike park, which we firmly believe is greatly needed in Aberdeenshire. Our plans represent an opportunity to inspire more people to discover outdoor sports in a natural environment, bolster Scotland’s current mountain biking facilities strategy, create jobs and help bring sustained growth to our local economy.”
He added: “Durris is an excellent venue due in part to its convenient proximity to Aberdeen and surrounding towns. It’s rural but easily accessible from the A90 and new Western Peripheral route once opened. This really enhances the location’s potential to achieve our vision and attract people here from across Scotland, the UK and overseas.”
The proposed facility will span some 256 hectares with more than 45km of purpose-built trails graded for all abilities. Concept trail network plans include cross-country singletrack, downhill runs, flow trails, natural enduro trails and a pump track. And it could be the first mountain bike park in the UK to install a mechanical open-air chairlift, designed primarily for mountain bike users.
“Bikers will have quick access to the Cairn-Mon-Earn summit in an open double-seated chair. It will create the truly memorable fun and fast-paced downhill mountain bike experience that is expected of a modern day world-class facility,” Mr Byers added.
A new outdoor snow sports centre is included in the group’s concept designs. If plans go-ahead, it is believed to be the first mountain bike project in Scotland to feature dry slope skiing and snowboarding facilities. Mr Byers said that the group wants to create a “multifaceted adventure sports facility” with mountain biking at its core. He added: “Incorporating snow sports enhances the appeal of the development for everyone and opens up market opportunities."
Graeme McLean, project manager at Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), part of Scottish Cycling, said: "There is no doubt that the north-east of Scotland represents the country's final geographical gap in provision of large-scale MTB amenities. Given the large number of local enthusiasts, as well as the tourism potential, it makes eminent sense for a new trail centre to be developed in Aberdeenshire. NETCO's emerging proposals are exciting and ambitious and would not only fill this gap in provision, but would propel the region towards becoming one of the UK's leading MTB destinations."
The proposals feature an environmentally-friendly ‘hub’ building, boasting a restaurant, children’s play zone, education and corporate meeting rooms, well-being centre, bike shop, snow sports and bike rental, changing rooms, bike repairs and wash. Included is a 150-space car park and six-space large bus parking area.
Accommodation for visitors in the form of glamping is proposed. Some of the development’s adventure pursuits could include ziplining, orienteering, toboggan runs, and tubing.
Mr Byers said that the group’s proposals are still in development. “NETCO is actively working with the local mountain bike community and public, during these initial planning stages, to find out what facilities everybody would like us to put forward within the overall proposals,” he said, adding: “We’re confident that the final plan will be regarded as world-class in terms of its design, construction and product offering.”
Now the group intends to apply for a community asset transfer (CAT) of land at Durris. A NETCO-led project team of professional advisors will be formed to manage the development’s design and build phases, and secure funding, if plans get the go-ahead. Construction will be planned in phases, the first of which NETCO said would focus on building mountain biking trail networks and installing an uplift facility. The group intends to operate and maintain the facility if approved. Public consultations with the local community will take place early next year ahead of a formal planning application to Aberdeenshire Council.
MENTIONS: @NETCO
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We have been genuinely amazed by the positive responses we have received from the general public, politicians the media and key business influencers since our big announcement last week. We have managed to achieve so much in the last couple of years driven on by the enthusiasm and passion of all of our supporters..... and we plan to increase the momentum!!
Over the next couple of week we have meetings lined up with supportive MP's, MSP's and further interviews line up with the BBC. Please keep an eye on our progress. We cant wait for you guys to ride our fist trails!
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Martin
The more trail centres the better. If it gets people up and out. It is money well spent imo.
Mardy rant over????
Maybe there could be some need for a trail centre further south round Bakewell, Buxton etc, but the Dark Peak is fine without. The number of mtbers there every weekend would seem to confirm that
Yes its great that money is being pumped into local community blah blah blah. Chair lift (that will be closed 90% of the time due to weather) Blah blah
have you ever been to Aberdeenshire. Its miles away from anywhere. Its an 8 Hour drive from London, 7 From Birmingham and 6 from Manchester. Its even over 3 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the roads are shit. There is as good if not better riding to be had that is much more accessible. I'm sorry but that is a lot of money that could be spent much more wisely in a much easier accessed part of what is a amazing country.
#theymaytakeourlivesbuttheywillnevertakeourfreedom,
To answer your questions about transport (or to correct your ignorance) - its actually all dual carriageway/motorway from Edinburgh. I often used to make the journey to go to GT/Inners and its not bad. Plus you can fly into Aberdeen if you're so inclined. Also, if you're coming the whole way to Scotland from London, I doubt its going to be for a quick pedal after work, its much more likely to be a longer trip. In which case, its really not that much further.
And lastly, you might not be able to cope with the weather but I'm sure a chairlift will. Being on the east coast, the weather is actually a lot more stable than the likes of fort william. [sarcasm] And they definitely close their gondola 90% of the time because of a bit of Scottish mist [/sarcasm]
#fannybaws