Plans submitted for Hillend snowsport facility upgrade

PLANS have been submitted to upgrade the Hillend snowsports facility in the Pentland Hills, south of Edinburgh, into much more of a leisure destination.

Says a media announcement issued by architects, Smith Scott Mullan Associates, the plans have been submitted on behalf of Hillend owners, Midlothian Council, and – assuming they are passed and delivered – would see climbing, soft play, ski hire, dining, events and retail added to the current offering, which is arguably best known for its artificial ski slope.

Says the announcement: “The design uses a monolithic volume set within the Pentland Hills landscape.

“The volume mimics the ridgeline of the hills beyond the building, whilst highlighting the key activities and access points on the facade.

“At first floor, the forms are clad in red terracotta tiles referencing the terracotta roof tiles of historic agricultural buildings in the Lothians. The main entrances are picked out with glazed bricks in a pattern that echoes the local hillside, using greens of the landscape, yellows of gorse flowers and purples of heather to draw visitors in.”

The project is expected to cost £31m.

As well as Smith Scott Mullan Associates, other service providers include Pick Everard (structural engineering), Cundall (mechanical and electrical), Thomson Bethune (quantity surveying), Hardies Property & Construction Consultants (project management), Wardell Armstrong (landscape), Montague Evans (planning), Midlothian Council (construction and design management regulations).

Picture credit: Smith Scott Mullan Associates

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