Parents Fuming as Wealthy Couple Closes Nursery for Spa on Elite Hotel Estate
Parents Express Outrage Over Nursery Closure for Luxury Spa Development
Parents and local communities are expressing deep concern after the owners of a five-star hotel in Scotland announced plans to replace a well-established nursery with a luxury spa. The decision has sparked outrage, with many feeling that the needs of families have been overlooked in favor of commercial interests.
The Crossbasket Nursery School, located within the grounds of Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre, Lanarkshire, had served over 100 children before its closure earlier this year. The nursery was part of the original planning consent when the estate was redeveloped into one of Scotland’s premier hotels and wedding venues.
The 14-acre estate, which had been derelict, was purchased in 2011 by Steve and Alison Timoney, a couple believed to have a combined net worth between £60 and £100 million. They invested heavily in transforming the Category A-listed building into a luxury hotel and event space.
Initially, the closure of the nursery was attributed to "serious health concerns" of the owner, according to reports. However, it has since emerged that the couple had submitted plans to convert the nursery building into a high-end spa facility.
The proposed spa will include six treatment rooms, wet and dry experience facilities, changing rooms, and a waiting area. Additional features will be a kitchen area, office space, and toilets. The renovation is expected to cost a significant amount, running into the six figures.
Reactions from Parents and Local Leaders
The announcement of the nursery's closure left many parents, carers, and politicians deeply upset. Emma Gartshor, a parent, expressed frustration on social media, stating, "It is really astonishing that the owners genuinely thought we'd all believe them when they said this was never the plan."
Another parent, Kay Katherine, wrote: "Hope this decision was worth the displacement of staff, babies and children. Profit over integrity." A third parent added, "I hope everyone boycotts it after the upset they cause to many staff, parents and kids. Knew it was profit over anything!"
Local politicians also voiced their concerns. Collette Stevenson, an East Kilbride MSP, stated she was "deeply concerned by the closure," emphasizing the impact on families who were left "shocked, anxious, and scrambling for solutions."
Clare Haughey, a Rutherglen MSP, echoed these sentiments, saying, "The owner has said that the decision is for 'personal reasons' but that does not alleviate the deep anxiety and stress that parents and nursery staff have experienced."
Expansion and New Developments
Just months before the nursery’s closure, the Timoney family opened a lavish new 40-bedroom hotel within the estate following a £20 million expansion. The property also features an "entertainment-led dining experience" overseen by Roux, who previously owned the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche in London.
A spokesperson for Crossbasket Castle stated that the development of eco lodges and a spa had already begun alongside the River Calder, adjacent to the new hotel. They explained that following the closure and handover of the former nursery building, a review of the estate layout was conducted to ensure the best use of available space.
As part of this review, the spa is now planned for the estate's entrance, allowing the existing building to be repurposed.
South Lanarkshire Council will issue a decision on the planned new spa in due course. Meanwhile, the community remains divided over the future of the nursery and the direction of the estate’s development.
