Parents' Outrage as Millionaire Couple Closes Nursery for Hotel Spa Expansion

Parents are furious after the billionaire owners of a five-star hotel revealed plans to replace a nursery with a high-end spa. The disputed ...

Parents are furious after the billionaire owners of a five-star hotel revealed plans to replace a nursery with a high-end spa.

The disputed proposals have caused 'heartbroken' parents to rush in search of other child care options, with the nursery serving over 100 children.

Crossbasket Nursery School is located on the premises of Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre, Lanarkshire, which is one of Scotland's top hotels and event locations for weddings.

The 14-acre property was in a state of disrepair before it was acquired in 2011 by Steve and Alison Timoney, a couple thought to have a total net worth ranging from £60 million to £100 million, who began the task of restoring the category A-listed structure.

Converting it into one of the nation's top luxury hotels and event spaces, the nursery was included in the initial planning approval for the renovation.

It was previously stated that the nursery's closure this year was because of 'serious health issues of the owner',The Times reports.

Nevertheless, it has now come to light that the couple had submitted proposals to convert the nursery building into a wellness center.

Records indicate that it will include six treatment rooms, facilities for wet and dry experiences, changing areas, and a reception zone.

A kitchen zone, workspace, changing rooms, and restrooms will also be available.

It is anticipated that converting the building from a nursery into a luxury spa will cost the couple an amount reaching into the six-digit range.

Anxious parents, guardians, and lawmakers were enraged upon learning that the nursery would shut down earlier this year, calling the decision a 'heartbreaking setback'.

Emma Gartshor posted on social media: 'It's truly surprising that the owners actually believed we would all accept their claim that this was never part of the plan.'

It's surprising they didn't wait longer than six weeks after evicting the previous families and offering minimal compensation to the staff before relocating.

Another, Kay Katherine, wrote: "I hope this decision was worth moving staff, babies, and children. Profit before ethics."

A third person wrote: "I hope everyone avoids it following the distress it caused to many employees, parents, and children. I knew it was all about profit!"

Although there was opposition, the owners proceeded with their plans to shut down the nursery.

Collette Stevenson, the East Kilbride MSP, expressed her 'deep concern over the shutdown.'

She mentioned at that moment: "The closing of Crossbasket nursery has left families stunned, worried, and searching for alternatives."

I've received input from numerous local parents who are genuinely distressed and concerned about the effect this will have on their children and their capacity to work.

Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, stated: 'The owner mentioned that the decision is due to "personal reasons," but this does not ease the significant worry and tension that parents and nursery workers have faced, particularly when it seemed the closure was about to happen and there was very little information provided.'

Only a few months before the closure, the Timoney family launched an opulent new 40-bedroom hotel on the property following a £20m renovation that commenced in March.

It also features an 'entertainment-focused dining experience' managed by Roux, who previously owned the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche in London.

South Lanarkshire Council will make a determination regarding the proposed new spa at a later date.

A representative from Crossbasket Castle stated: "The development of the eco lodges and spa has already begun next to the River Calder, near the new hotel."

After the previous nursery building was closed and transferred, an assessment of the site layout was conducted to maximize the utilization of the available area.

As part of this, the spa is now set to be located at the estate's entrance, enabling the current structure to be reused.

Read more

• How is the Scottish Borders Council defending the contentious decision to close village nurseries, and what implications might this have for the community?
• Is a £43.5 million resort development at Loch Lomond posing a risk to the area's natural scenery, sparking debate in Scotland?
• Can this luxurious countryside getaway concept meet the increasing need for Scotland's expanding tourism industry?
• Why are parents upset about a disputed church assuming control of a beloved UK nursery's premises?
• Is it possible for Bucklebury Farm's disputed nursery development to gain support from council opponents by offering distinctive learning opportunities for children?