Well guys after much fannying about work starts on Trump International on the Scottish North East coast,will it be as good as Trump reckons? Personally I welcome it.
Work starts on Trump
International
- Scotland links
tomorrow
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY TRUMP INTERNATIONAL-SCOTLAND
From Donald J Trump:
“We are pleased to announce that work on site will begin tomorrow (Wednesday, October 28), ahead of schedule, to build the greatest golf course in history. For a golf course there are no dunes and there is no land as large and magnificent anywhere in the world. I want to thank Aberdeenshire Council, the business community and the residents of Aberdeenshire for their ongoing supportâ€.
In response to the news that work on the site will commence, Jack Perry, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, stated:
"As Head of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland's main economic, enterprise innovation and investment agency, I welcome the progress on Trump International Golf Links' development in Aberdeenshire. We value the commitment which the Trump organisation is demonstrating by commencing work on the site at Menie, as this type of new resort development, will deliver modern, high quality accommodation and facilities to Scotland.
"This is critical to our ambition to help Scotland realise more value from our tourism assets. The development will attract higher spending visitors from across the UK and overseas and will further support Scotland's position in the global market as the Home of Golf."
Robert Collier, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, commented:
"The Chamber of Commerce is re-assured that the project is proceeding, despite the current downturn impacts on the global economy, being fully funded by the Trump Organisation. A resort of this profile, scale and quality is a critical component of the ACSEF strategy to position Aberdeen City and Shire as a place to do business, and a place to visit. It gives an international message that Aberdeen is open to business."
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland, commented:
"Whilst this is a private development and VisitScotland did not have a role in the planning process, we recognise the significant economic impact it will have on the North-east, and indeed to the wider Scottish economy.
"Tourism will always be strong in the North-east, but this development will help refresh Scotland’s profile through the publicity it will generate and the potential for ancillary businesses. It is especially encouraging to see this level of investment, considering the current global economic climate and it shows the strength of appeal of the area."
Based approximately five miles (south) from Trump International – Scotland and celebrating their centenary anniversary this year, Hugh B Stuart, captain of Murcar Links Golf Club, said:
"There are several excellent championship golf courses in the North-east but this gives us a World Championship Golf Resort in our area. The links are a magnificent setting for this, very similar to our own links at Murcar.
"Our own experience of wild life at Murcar would be replicated at Menie and your expanses of water and marram grass will encourage wild life. This will be a big boost to tourism in the North- east and with the expected invasion of golfers, all the golf clubs (in the area) will benefit from this development."
Work on site will include stabilisation of the sand dunes, using the traditional technique of hand-springing, and slabbing of marram turves harvested on-site.
Chestnut pale fencing will also be installed when planting is completed to reduce wind velocity and encourage the stabilisation process.
Detailed master planning for the entire development continues and is on target for completion and submission to Aberdeenshire Council for approval in early 2010.
For more information, log on to to:
http://www.trumpgolfscotland.com/
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - TOP TEN QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
In response to Trump International – Scotland’s public exhibition hosted on September 18 – 19, 2009, a report addressing the top ten questions asked by local residents and members of the public is now available on-line at www.trumpgolfscotland.com and detailed below.
(Members of the public interested in learning more about the project as it progresses are welcome to join Trump International – Scotland mailing-list and are invited to e-mail their contact details to info@trumpgolfscotland.com).
Q 1. I’ve heard this development is only for the elite – will I be able to use the facilities?
A 1. The development will be accessible to all. This is not a ‘gated community.’ The golf courses, spa, tennis courts, equestrian centre, restaurants and shops, along with the community facilities within the residential village, will be accessible to the general public.
It is intended that there will be two main routes into the golf resort and village. The centre of the development is being designed to link into the wider public transport network to encourage ease of access for residents and visitors.
Q 2. I enjoy the (Balmedie) beach at weekends – will I still have access?
A 2. The beach will remain fully accessible to the public. Pathways through the development are planned, to encourage residents and visitors to explore the coastline and take full advantage of the beaches. A new public car park is also planned within the village which will link into one of the public routes across the courses onto the beach.
Q 3. I’d love to play the course, but I’ve heard it will be private membership – is this true?
A 3. The courses will operate on a pay-and-play basis and will be open to the public. Special discounted rates will be on offer to local golfers, so everyone can enjoy the courses. A limited number of corporate memberships may also be on offer.
Q 4. I’ve heard the buildings will be very high and am concerned they will look out of place. Can you provide more information on the design of the buildings?
A 4. Gareth Hoskins Architects is a leading Scottish architect and is working with Architecture & Design Scotland on the detailed design of the site to ensure the development fits with the character of the landscape and complements its wider surroundings.
Other than the hotel, the buildings are not likely to be higher than four storeys. The hotel, however, will be a taller landmark building. Our aim is to create an ‘iconic’ hotel that becomes synonymous with the area and provides a dramatic backdrop to the world-class championship events planned. Details of the height and design will, of course, be subject to further planning approval.
Gareth Hoskins Architects is now working on the appearance and character of the key buildings, which will be available for view in early 2010.
Q 5. There is a pathway to Balmedie on your plans which passes my house and goes through private land – has this been formally agreed?
A 5. The external footpath and cycleway on our recent plans illustrates the desire to create beneficial links between Trump International – Scotland and the neighbouring community of Balmedie. The route shown on the current lay-out is one of a number of possible options.
Creating a pedestrian route between the two villages is considered to be good master planning practice and has been encouraged by Aberdeenshire Council. We would like to explore this idea further in the future and aim to work with Aberdeenshire Council and local landowners to see how best this ambition can be achieved.
Q 6. I’m concerned the Trump development will put a strain on existing infrastructure and cause traffic problems – what are you going to do about this?
A 6. Infrastructure requirements have been set by Aberdeenshire Council and we have a legal agreement to provide funding for the expansion, or addition, of facilities and infrastructure requirements, including drainage, electricity and other services.
We are working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and Transport Scotland to ensure this development also meets the infrastructure requirements set out by Scottish Government, which includes shared financial contributions towards upgrading junctions and roadways to accommodate the identified increase in traffic.
Q 7. Will the houses in the residential area cost millions of pounds?
A 7. A full spectrum of homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom luxury houses, will be on offer. Housing prices have not yet been set but they will be in line with market values in Aberdeenshire. We anticipate that many local people will occupy the houses planned, and will price them accordingly.
Q 8. I’m concerned about the staff accommodation proposed – will the jobs created be available to local people?
A 8. Appropriate levels of staff accommodation will be established as the development evolves and will be integrated into the resort area and village as needed.
We have already partnered with local recruiters and universities, and a range of training opportunities will be developed in the future. Job vacancies will be advertised locally.
Q 9. This development has outline planning approval. Why do you now need additional land?
A 9. A condition of outline planning consent is the development of a detailed Master Plan. In order to address this condition, a Scottish architectural firm - Gareth Hoskins Architects - was commissioned in January 2009 to revisit the plans and develop a greater understanding of the land and its special characteristics.
During this process, it has been identified that for the better planning of the area and the operational efficiency of the site, these six additional parcels of land need to be included.
Q 10. I think this development is great, but understand the Trump Organisation intends to use Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) – is this true?
A 10. The Trump Organisation has no CPO powers. CPO is a statutory process and the use of these powers is a matter for Government.
We are currently negotiating with our neighbours, regarding the acquisition of additional plots of land and hope to reach fair and amicable agreements.
Work starts on Trump
International
- Scotland links
tomorrow
NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY TRUMP INTERNATIONAL-SCOTLAND
From Donald J Trump:
“We are pleased to announce that work on site will begin tomorrow (Wednesday, October 28), ahead of schedule, to build the greatest golf course in history. For a golf course there are no dunes and there is no land as large and magnificent anywhere in the world. I want to thank Aberdeenshire Council, the business community and the residents of Aberdeenshire for their ongoing supportâ€.
In response to the news that work on the site will commence, Jack Perry, Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise, stated:
"As Head of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland's main economic, enterprise innovation and investment agency, I welcome the progress on Trump International Golf Links' development in Aberdeenshire. We value the commitment which the Trump organisation is demonstrating by commencing work on the site at Menie, as this type of new resort development, will deliver modern, high quality accommodation and facilities to Scotland.
"This is critical to our ambition to help Scotland realise more value from our tourism assets. The development will attract higher spending visitors from across the UK and overseas and will further support Scotland's position in the global market as the Home of Golf."
Robert Collier, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, commented:
"The Chamber of Commerce is re-assured that the project is proceeding, despite the current downturn impacts on the global economy, being fully funded by the Trump Organisation. A resort of this profile, scale and quality is a critical component of the ACSEF strategy to position Aberdeen City and Shire as a place to do business, and a place to visit. It gives an international message that Aberdeen is open to business."
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland, commented:
"Whilst this is a private development and VisitScotland did not have a role in the planning process, we recognise the significant economic impact it will have on the North-east, and indeed to the wider Scottish economy.
"Tourism will always be strong in the North-east, but this development will help refresh Scotland’s profile through the publicity it will generate and the potential for ancillary businesses. It is especially encouraging to see this level of investment, considering the current global economic climate and it shows the strength of appeal of the area."
Based approximately five miles (south) from Trump International – Scotland and celebrating their centenary anniversary this year, Hugh B Stuart, captain of Murcar Links Golf Club, said:
"There are several excellent championship golf courses in the North-east but this gives us a World Championship Golf Resort in our area. The links are a magnificent setting for this, very similar to our own links at Murcar.
"Our own experience of wild life at Murcar would be replicated at Menie and your expanses of water and marram grass will encourage wild life. This will be a big boost to tourism in the North- east and with the expected invasion of golfers, all the golf clubs (in the area) will benefit from this development."
Work on site will include stabilisation of the sand dunes, using the traditional technique of hand-springing, and slabbing of marram turves harvested on-site.
Chestnut pale fencing will also be installed when planting is completed to reduce wind velocity and encourage the stabilisation process.
Detailed master planning for the entire development continues and is on target for completion and submission to Aberdeenshire Council for approval in early 2010.
For more information, log on to to:
http://www.trumpgolfscotland.com/
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - TOP TEN QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
In response to Trump International – Scotland’s public exhibition hosted on September 18 – 19, 2009, a report addressing the top ten questions asked by local residents and members of the public is now available on-line at www.trumpgolfscotland.com and detailed below.
(Members of the public interested in learning more about the project as it progresses are welcome to join Trump International – Scotland mailing-list and are invited to e-mail their contact details to info@trumpgolfscotland.com).
Q 1. I’ve heard this development is only for the elite – will I be able to use the facilities?
A 1. The development will be accessible to all. This is not a ‘gated community.’ The golf courses, spa, tennis courts, equestrian centre, restaurants and shops, along with the community facilities within the residential village, will be accessible to the general public.
It is intended that there will be two main routes into the golf resort and village. The centre of the development is being designed to link into the wider public transport network to encourage ease of access for residents and visitors.
Q 2. I enjoy the (Balmedie) beach at weekends – will I still have access?
A 2. The beach will remain fully accessible to the public. Pathways through the development are planned, to encourage residents and visitors to explore the coastline and take full advantage of the beaches. A new public car park is also planned within the village which will link into one of the public routes across the courses onto the beach.
Q 3. I’d love to play the course, but I’ve heard it will be private membership – is this true?
A 3. The courses will operate on a pay-and-play basis and will be open to the public. Special discounted rates will be on offer to local golfers, so everyone can enjoy the courses. A limited number of corporate memberships may also be on offer.
Q 4. I’ve heard the buildings will be very high and am concerned they will look out of place. Can you provide more information on the design of the buildings?
A 4. Gareth Hoskins Architects is a leading Scottish architect and is working with Architecture & Design Scotland on the detailed design of the site to ensure the development fits with the character of the landscape and complements its wider surroundings.
Other than the hotel, the buildings are not likely to be higher than four storeys. The hotel, however, will be a taller landmark building. Our aim is to create an ‘iconic’ hotel that becomes synonymous with the area and provides a dramatic backdrop to the world-class championship events planned. Details of the height and design will, of course, be subject to further planning approval.
Gareth Hoskins Architects is now working on the appearance and character of the key buildings, which will be available for view in early 2010.
Q 5. There is a pathway to Balmedie on your plans which passes my house and goes through private land – has this been formally agreed?
A 5. The external footpath and cycleway on our recent plans illustrates the desire to create beneficial links between Trump International – Scotland and the neighbouring community of Balmedie. The route shown on the current lay-out is one of a number of possible options.
Creating a pedestrian route between the two villages is considered to be good master planning practice and has been encouraged by Aberdeenshire Council. We would like to explore this idea further in the future and aim to work with Aberdeenshire Council and local landowners to see how best this ambition can be achieved.
Q 6. I’m concerned the Trump development will put a strain on existing infrastructure and cause traffic problems – what are you going to do about this?
A 6. Infrastructure requirements have been set by Aberdeenshire Council and we have a legal agreement to provide funding for the expansion, or addition, of facilities and infrastructure requirements, including drainage, electricity and other services.
We are working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and Transport Scotland to ensure this development also meets the infrastructure requirements set out by Scottish Government, which includes shared financial contributions towards upgrading junctions and roadways to accommodate the identified increase in traffic.
Q 7. Will the houses in the residential area cost millions of pounds?
A 7. A full spectrum of homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom luxury houses, will be on offer. Housing prices have not yet been set but they will be in line with market values in Aberdeenshire. We anticipate that many local people will occupy the houses planned, and will price them accordingly.
Q 8. I’m concerned about the staff accommodation proposed – will the jobs created be available to local people?
A 8. Appropriate levels of staff accommodation will be established as the development evolves and will be integrated into the resort area and village as needed.
We have already partnered with local recruiters and universities, and a range of training opportunities will be developed in the future. Job vacancies will be advertised locally.
Q 9. This development has outline planning approval. Why do you now need additional land?
A 9. A condition of outline planning consent is the development of a detailed Master Plan. In order to address this condition, a Scottish architectural firm - Gareth Hoskins Architects - was commissioned in January 2009 to revisit the plans and develop a greater understanding of the land and its special characteristics.
During this process, it has been identified that for the better planning of the area and the operational efficiency of the site, these six additional parcels of land need to be included.
Q 10. I think this development is great, but understand the Trump Organisation intends to use Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) – is this true?
A 10. The Trump Organisation has no CPO powers. CPO is a statutory process and the use of these powers is a matter for Government.
We are currently negotiating with our neighbours, regarding the acquisition of additional plots of land and hope to reach fair and amicable agreements.
