The Scottish Agricultural College has submitted an outline planning application for a £150m transformation of its 300-hectare Auchincruive Estate to South Ayrshire Council.

Developers AWG Property will spearhead the redevelopment to include a hotel, conference facilities, 18-hole golf course and equestrian centre to complement the agricultural research and education site.

Historic aspects of the estate, such as Oswald Hall, Oswald’s Temple/Tea House, Wilson Hall and Gibbs Yard, will be sensitively refurbished and the woodland, ornamental gardens and arboretum will be restored.

The estate’s existing network of footpaths, cycleways and bridleways will be improved to provide better public access for outdoor recreational pursuits.

Tony Donnelly, managing director of AWG Property, said: “The proposed redevelopment of the stunning Auchincruive estate is extremely exciting and will create over 2,000 jobs, as well as considerably enhancing the local offering through a mix of commercial, residential and leisure opportunities.”

If approved, work on site will commence in early 2009, for a phased completion by 2016.