Working with the Crown Estate and Smiths Gore, Urban Animation prepared a master plan for a very significant expansion of Rosewell over a 20 year period. Gains from open cast coal extraction had provided funding for a bypass around Rosewell, leaving opportunities for growth of the village. The proposed reopening of the Waverley Rail Line would provide commuter rail services nearby.

The settlement suffered from a number of physical problems including traffic problems on the main street, lack of local services, a primary school at capacity and unattractive approaches to the town. Urban Animation devised a Concept Diagram, setting out a structured approach to the development of the village.

Long term proposals include several hundred houses, a new primary school, a distributor road, local centre improvements, business uses, community facilities, woodland planting and a golf course.

The first phase of the proposals is now included in the Council’s new Local Plan. Further phases will be brought forward by the Crown Estate as development progresses.