New glamping pod development set for Cumbrae with Viking influence

A planning application has been submitted to North Ayrshire Council by LMA Architects, on behalf of the developers, for the exciting new project to revitalise the area occupied by the current centre, which closed in 2020.

It is set to become a glamping lodge development along with the refurbishment of the old Cumbrae Watersports Centre, to reopen and enhance a vacant hospitality and tourism offering.

The proposals consist of introducing environmentally friendly, sustainable and ethical self-catering glamping pods, with one, two and three bedroom pods to help make the closed down centre 'more viable'.

The Viking inspired pods would be similar in design to the picture above (Image: LMA Architects)

The refurbishment and re-opening of the existing centre would be helped by offerings of glamping, car and tourer parking, re-purposing the three dormitory lodges into more family-based accommodation, and small secondary offerings like a stop-off ice cream kiosk, and water sports-based hire.

The one bedroom pods are the simplest and smallest pods, the L-shaped two bedroom pods retain the front facing proportions for consistency.

A glance inside how a pod might look (Image: LMA Architects)

More dramatic two bed pods and very similar three bed pods with a mezzanine would also feature.

The pods would be accessed by a new track road and footpaths.

The application also pointed out that there was broad appeal in the development.

It said: "The design development process involved two public consultation events with material available online for a period of eight weeks. The response to the proposals was overwhelmingly positive.

"While some items were raised for consideration, the public were happy to see the redevelopment of the centre and welcomed the additional offerings that would make it sustainable in the longer term, and add a type of offering the island is lacking.

Design image as to how overall site would look (Image: LMA Architects)

"Cumbrae is a tourist destination island and its economy relies on tourism. According to the consultations held with the locals, the community and within its own Island Plan (a 10-year strategic plan developed with and for the community by North Ayrshire Council), its tourism is only held back by the ferry capacity, and by a lack of accommodation on the island.

"The type of accommodation tends to attract the over-55s, and there is a desire to see more 18-45 age range visitors stay on the island, and the overnight or multiple night visitor is more valuable to the economy, than day trippers.

"The Island Plan notes that with the rise in staycations, tourist business has possibly never been so good. This development aims to enhance that, and with it consequentially grow the island’s economy, while also serving the community.

"The economy of the Isle of Cumbrae has suffered from the centre being deemed invaluable by previous owners, and the proposals look to bring it back into use and enhance the facilities and leisure offerings."