Landscape work underway at new Winchburgh park

The work on phase one also includes the installation of a new outdoor play park which has been designed with input from local school pupils. Phase one expands over 40 acres and will include the planting of over 15,000 new woodland trees and shrubs. A further 400 additional trees grown by the community throughout lockdown will also be planted to create an area of community woodland.

Billy Allison, Allison Enterprises, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved in providing the landscaping and fencing packages for this project. The opportunity has been afforded to our business to leave a positive legacy and we hope that the community and its families enjoy the greenspace being created for generations to come.”

The first phase will feature over two kilometres of paths and fitness trails, a one-acre community garden, an enclosed dog park and over eleven acres of grassed playing areas with walkways linking to the Union Canal.

When complete in 2022 the park will expand over 85 acres, with a significant part of the site reclaimed from the Auldcathie landfill, land which had lain derelict for over 17 years.

John Hamilton, CEO, Winchburgh Developments Limited said: “We’re entering a particularly exciting phase of the masterplan now, with work on many projects continuing at pace including the canal marina which is due to be completed in spring, the new schools’ campus and five housebuilders currently on site building new homes.

"We recognise the importance of quality outdoor spaces for both physical and mental wellbeing of the community here, which is why we have invested significantly in this project.”

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “This is a significant milestone in the settlement expansion of Winchburgh, and is testimony to the resilience and hard work of the community, council officials and the developer team over the last 15 years.

“Auldcathie District Park will be a wonderful asset for the Winchburgh and wider West Lothian community when complete, adding more fantastic leisure and open space for local residents.”

The final park will see a further 15,000 trees planted and will include a variety of different open spaces including a dedicated bike park, additional paths and fitness trails, extensive wildlife areas and a community orchard. The viewing areas on higher ground will afford long-range views across Winchburgh and to the Forth bridges beyond. On completion, a café with public toilets will be located in the centre of the park.

Auldcathie District Park will be situated adjacent to the new schools’ campus area, which is located on the south east boundary of the park site adjacent to the B9080.

The Winchburgh masterplan also includes the delivery of three further parks. Daisy Park will be located next to the Union Canal in the centre of the village a second in the Glendevon area to the west, and a third to the east at Hawkhill.