New boardwalk 'integral to creating a sustainable future for Glentress'
It's claimed the latest works taking place at one of the Tweed Valley's most popular visitor attractions will help mark out the area as a top-flight visitor destination.
The cafe and bike shop at Glentress are set to close for up to two months, from Monday (April 17th) to allow for the board walk to be replaced ahead of this summer's world cycling championships.
The new surface is the latest phase of an £8 million investment in the Masterplan development programme.
Forestry and Land Scotland is apologising in advance for the disruption but says alternative provisions are being put in place - with on-site café facilities and toilets being made available at the nearby gateway building.
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Regional Visitor Services Manager Martin Page said: “With the bulk of the heavy work done, this is us beginning to put the icing on the cake and adding those finishing touches that will further improve and enhance the Glentress experience for all visitors.
“Over the past few months we’ve worked closely with our partners to minimise disruption and we know that this has been appreciated by those visitors who have continued to enjoy what Glentress has to offer.
“Integral to creating a sustainable future for Glentress and its partners in hospitality & cycle retailing, the resurfacing will unfortunately cause some inconvenience and we would like to apologize for that in advance.
“And we’d also re-assure everyone that the café and the bike shop will soon be re-opening for business.”
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According to the developers, early feedback on the Masterplan work has been "hugely positive" and suggests that the anticipated boost to visitor numbers and the local economy are on-track to be realised.
While the boardwalk replacement is underway, visitors can take advantage of the additional car parking near the entrance. Temporary diversions will also be in place to help guide visitors around the site.
The boardwalk replacement will be completed in June ahead of the site being handed over to the UCI World Cup event organisers who will begin their preparations for the August start date.
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