Natural Retreats and Heritage GB submit detailed planning application for John O'Groats high quality holiday accommodation
Further to exciting plans revealed earlier this year, Natural Retreats and Heritage Great Britain have submitted a detailed planning application for their multi-million pound revitalization of John o'Groats, which incorporates the alteration and extension of the former John o'Groats Hotel to form luxury self-catering holiday apartments and the development of new detached holiday lodges.
The ambitious plans promise to revitalise one of Scotland's best-known destinations, with the creation of eco-friendly, self-catering holiday lodges and apartments, using environmentally-sustainable construction and cutting-edge design, as well as the extension of the Journey's End Cafe to offer high-quality local food produce.
Second-stage proposals include improving the public realm harbour area and creating a multi-use visitor centre. Natural Retreats and Heritage GB are working closely with the Highland Council to develop these plans that will help create an enhanced visitor experience at this leading landmark.
Natural Retreats' director Ewan Kearney said, "Natural Retreats is delighted with the progression of these exciting plans to create a high quality, environmentally-friendly leisure development that will breathe new life into the area and provide long-term opportunities by creating new jobs and increasing tourist expenditure within the area.
"Our aim is to create a new vision for John o'Groats and to ensure that visitors feel moved, informed and educated by their experience and we look forward to working closely with the Highland Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the local community to deliver this exciting project."
Chief Executive of Heritage GB, Allan Leech, added, "With both Heritage Great Britain and Natural Retreats' proven track records in delivering financially sustainable leisure and tourism destinations in the UK, we are confident that a high quality development can be achieved at John o'Groats, which is essential for both the Caithness visitor's experience and to support the local economy with long term employment. Additionally, Heritage GB's recent project experience gained during the redevelopment of the extremely successful Summit Building project, at their Snowdon Mountain Railway site shows that close cooperation of both private companies and the public sectors is not only essential to deliver projects of this nature, but can also prove to be a huge boost to regional tourism."