Mar Hall new jobs boost if luxury lodges plan is approved

Plans for 30 lodges nestled within the 240-acre ancient woodland at Mar Hall have been unveiled as business leaders say the development will bring a massive economic boost to Renfrewshire.

Strategically positioned within the resort, the one, two and four-bedroom luxury lodges will – if approved by Renfrewshire Council – create a minimum of 30 new jobs within the Bishopton community.

But Dutco – the Dubai-based outfit which acquired the hotel and estate last year – says may more jobs will be created as it continues its £15 million redevelopment of the five-star hotel, spa and golf resort.

The company has this week submitted a planning application to the council seeking permission to build the 30 lodges on secluded plots within the estate which make the most of views of the River Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills.

Aimed at couples, groups and families, each lodge will benefit from its own private entrance and outdoor terrace with hot tub.

Inside, guests will find rustic charm, with a super king bed, dressing area, en-suite, lounge and log burner. Joe Gallacher, general manager at the resort, said: “We are on a journey of transformation across the resort to materialise its luxury potential.

“We’ve already completed significant improvements which our guests and members have experienced first-hand in recent months, and it’s fantastic to progress the next stage of our redevelopment by submitting the planning as part of our ambitious vision for the resort.”

The lodges will add 59 bedrooms to the resort’s current key count of 70, enhancing the hotel’s offering to corporate and international group bookings, as well as those seeking larger events and wedding parties.

Each lodge will be equipped with bicycles allowing guests to tour the grounds and neighbouring Luss Estate.

Those in the four-bedroom lodge suites – which span two floors with a central lounge and dining area – will also be able to have the five-star dining experience brought to their suites.

The planning application comes amidst the ongoing multi-million pound renovation works being led by Align Partners, on behalf of Dutco.

The company, which bought Mar Hall after it went into administration, confirmed last year that its £15m investment in Renfrewshire would seek to reposition it as one of the most luxurious resorts in the country.

And the business is already ploughing some of that cash into local firms. Bob Grant, chief executive of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce explained: “As members of the chamber, the team at Mar Hall want to get involved in the wider business community which is brilliant and they have used a lot of our members as suppliers.

“The key thing for us is not only the positive investment being made at the resort itself, but the company’s focus on finding and using local suppliers wherever possible and the additional visitor income and dwelling time this expansion will bring to Renfrewshire, that’s really important to us too.

“So, we are fully supportive of the lodges and what they are doing there. We are delighted to see that investment coming into Renfrewshire and their ambitions plans for the future.”

To date, the company has already refurbished the leisure and spa facilities to include a state-of-the-art gym, 20-metre swimming pool with saunas, steam rooms, relaxation space, and an outdoor thermal suite. The refurbishment of the mansion house is also ongoing while the planning permission for the lodges progresses.

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