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The Cameron Connection Plan | ||
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Cameron Connection is an innovative mixed-use farm diversification project at Northbank Farm proposed by Sandy and Christine Riach to sustain their farm business for the future.
Cameron Connection represents a total capital investment of £2.3 million and should create employment for at least 6 full time and 9 part time employees. The project will encourage existing small businesses to grow and new businesses to flourish. Northbank Farm will remain a working farm. The all-weather landmark Visitor Destination building with Farm Shop, Country Store and Post Office, Rural Crafts and Foods outlets, and wholesome Restaurant/Café will provide all year-round attractions, events and programmes to encourage individual family and group days out. | |
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Cameron Connection can provide the essential new services that are a lifeline for many Scottish rural communities. Mixed tenure affordable family housing is badly needed in the area. New housing at Cameron is supported by Kingdom Housing Association, the Council’s preferred affordable and special needs provider. Redevelopment of the redundant brick dairy sheds at Northbank Farm can deliver windfall housing and enable investment in new facilities to support small local businesses. New housing and local jobs should help develop a more sustainable economy and stronger community. | ||
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The Cameron Connection Project
OBJECTIVES
Northbank Farm has no future as a traditional dairy farm unit, the Whole Farm Review undertaken by Laurence Gould Partnership concluded. This diversification project is planned to sustain Northbank Farm as an economic unit in the long-term. The plans are shaped around the owners’ own aims, expertise, experience and aspirations. The aim is to create a thriving business with financial security for its owners, with economic and social benefits for the local and wider community and with significant environmental benefits.
The project can deliver a reduction of CO2 emissions and waste, new habitats creation and enhanced bio-diversity, and assist VisitScotland in meeting its objectives for green tourism in Scotland in a location of international renown.
The project will be managed by Sandy and Christine Riach as a Green Tourism Business under the guidance of VisitScotland
It is intended that the facilities are open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm. The farm is currently engaged in a programme of grant funded environmental improvements to maintain hedgerows and encourage wildlife. This year it was one of the few farms in Scotland to qualify for the Rural Stewardship Scheme in recognition of its contribution and potential for environmental improvements.
The Cameron Connection project represents a total capital investment of £2.3 million (excluding the housing redevelopment) and should create employment for at least 6 full time and 9 part time employees.
The development will be zoned into three areas:
i) An enabling housing re-development will replace the existing derelict farm sheds and yards behind the farmhouse
ii) An Eco-Holiday Village will be discreetly sited in woodland to the north of the farm, away from the main road iii) A Visitor Destination building containing the Farm Shop, Rural Crafts and Foods units, Country Store and hopefully a Post Office and Restaurant/Café, along with ancillary accommodation and parking, will be located in the field directly off the A915 road The project will encourage existing small businesses to grow and new businesses to flourish. Cameron Connection will provide new local services. New housing should help develop a stronger more sustainable community.
KEY ELEMENTS
The project has received support from: Scottish Enterprise Fife
VisitScotland The Forestry Commission Kingdom Housing Association NFU Scotland The Scottish Agricultural College The Scottish Countryside Alliance Slow Food UK © 2006 | ||
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Web site design and code copyright Helios 2006 | ||
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