Plans Unveiled For Regeneration Of Former Open Cast Mine

Hargreaves Land has unveiled plans for the next phase in the multi-million-pound regeneration of a former open cast mine in East Lothian.

The developer has released the first tranche of land designated exclusively for employment uses within Blindwells, the new town development located 12 miles southeast of Edinburgh.

Committed to employment growth in East Lothian Hargreaves is making up to 5 acres available for business use from Autumn 2022 as the first in a range of suitable sites within the development.

The firm has appointed independent property advisor Ryden to begin marketing the first tranche, which is suitable for a range of commercial uses including offices, workspace and storage and is well located adjacent to the new town centre facilities.

The employment land will enable businesses to locate themselves at Blindwells, thereby benefiting from the site’s accessibility and infrastructure. Creating new employment opportunities will support the development of a strong and cohesive community, according to Hargreaves.


Bruce Lindsay, development director at Hargreaves Land, said: "This is a very exciting addition to the overall Blindwells proposition. We are looking to work with local and national businesses who wish to take advantage of everything the scheme has to offer. Locating your business at Blindwells means you can benefit from a growing residential community, superfast broadband, acres of attractive green spaces, all within a highly accessible location.

"Our forthcoming town centre facilities will also offer a range of retail and leisure amenities, so we believe Blindwells has a great deal to offer as a commercial address and provide a rare opportunity to live, work and play at the same location. The development of new homes is progressing tremendously, so we are looking forward to moving ahead with the commercial element of the scheme."

Cameron Whyte, associate at Ryden, added: "We are delighted to be involved in this exciting phase of Blindwells. The land enjoys a strategic location just off the A1 and would suit a wide range of commercial uses. The focus will be on delivering a high-quality business environment that complements the Blindwells new town development as well as serving the wider East Lothian area with much needed employment opportunities."

Hargreaves Land is delivering the new town with the benefit of consent for the development of 1,600 new homes at Blindwells as well as shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and a new school. Over 200 new homes are currently under development by Bellway and Cruden, with Persimmon Homes due to commence work on site early in 2022 on a further 197 homes and Ogilvie Homes delivering 77 homes from Summer 2022.