Village set to build new centrepiece

Published on Monday 13 October 2008 10:19

A NEW village centre, including a modern housing development, is to be created in Rosewell.

The Crown Estate, which owns Midlothian's Whitehill Estate, has today unveiled the plans as part of a submission made to Government for the Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative.

The proposals involve rejuvenating an old steading, which links the existing village to new housing being developed.

Housing and flats for rent would also be built on another site to the east of the road running through the village.

Alan Laidlaw, head of The Crown Estate's Edinburgh office, said: "We are keen to work with the council and the local community to help develop Rosewell in a way which is sustainable and improves quality of life."

The Crown Estate wants input from the local community in shaping the plans, which will include consideration of how best to develop the steading in a way that creates a focal point for the village.

It is hoped the proposals could play a social role by creating a new focal point, such as a community centre, that brings together residents of the older parts of Rosewell with residents of the new housing being built.