Bonnyrigg hub plans scrapped by Midlothian Council

The economic impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to review how local services are provided in the future, has led Midlothian Council to conclude that it should not proceed with plans for a new depot and offices at the Hopefield site in Bonnyrigg.

There had been considerable local opposition to the plans which were put forward by the SNP in 2016.

And in rare sign of unity, the minority Labour administration at Midlothian House has been backed by the opposition SNP group in its decision to scrap the proposals.

The council recognises that it still has a pressing need for more modern, cost-effective facilities to support front line services.

As a result, it is now looking at the possibility of providing a new centralised depot at Stobhill, where it currently already has its main depot.

Midlothian Council leader Derek Milligan (Lab) said: “In the current economic climate, there is now no requirement for a depot on the scale planned for Hopefield.

“It makes much more sense to reassess our service needs and to look at rationalising our operations at a depot which is both reduced in scale and which will save us on accommodation and running costs in the longer term.

“We’ve now asked our officials to bring forward a full feasibility report, designs and costings for a new fit-for-purpose depot on land at Stobhill.

“We are often approached by local small businesses, many run from the owner’s home or garage, who are looking to expand into small industrial units. So, as part of our economic renewal strategy, we’ve identified the need to provide modern, purpose-built spaces for small businesses, to help build our local business base and reduce the need for workers to commute out of Midlothian.

“We are looking at the possibility of locating some of that small business space at Hopefield, and will provide more on these proposals when our feasibility study is completed over the next few months.”

SNP Midlothian group leader Catherine Johnstone welcomed the U-turn.

She said: “After reviewing the current state of the local economy during this pandemic period it is imperative the council takes stock of all its existing structures and resources and how it best moves into the ‘new normal’, which will include different ways of working for all services.

“That being so, the Stobhill depot is likely to be the best way the accommodate all we need to achieve.

“The council specialised officers will be working on the best way forward and a report will be presented to council in the near future.

“The Hopefield site at this time will still be identified as economic land and will provide an opportunity for local SMEs to build on or expand their operations.”

The then SNP-led Midlothian Council originally announced its plans to place a number of its facilities at the new Bonnyrigg depot back in 2016.