Roll up roll up and see updated plans for circus training and community space in East Calder

The proposals are for the site of the former Oakbank Oil Works demolished in 1932

Residents in East Calder are being invited along to look at updated plans for a circus training and community space in the village.

Big Kid Entertainment has extended the invite to everyone living locally to come along to the Dave King Partnership Centre on Wednesday, May 14 and see their enhanced proposals for the site of the former Oakbank Oil Works, which were demolished in 1932.

The second community event to be held, it has been rescheduled from April 3. The change of date for the second event follows valuable feedback received from the local community during the first event.

Since then, the project team has been refining the proposals and the additional time will help ensure the revised plans reflect community input.

If approved, the base on the village’s Oakbank Road will serve as a double-height training and community space with associated ancillary uses.

It will also provide storage for service vehicles and equipment. The proposals also include a nature trail and enhanced biodiversity.

On-site residence for grounds maintenance staff are incorporated in the plans, as is an area for temporary caravan parking and car parking. Operating under the Big Kid Circus brand, the location has been selected for its proximity to Edinburgh Airport and major road links, making it an ideal base. It is not proposed that ticketed circus performances will be held at the site.

The site has not been in formal use for some time and, should the development progress, will be revitalised. Big Kid Entertainment say the site will further enhance West Lothian’s arts and culture offer and complement other nearby attractions, such as Jupiter Artland.

Big Kid Circus is Scotland’s leading circus act. Established in 2005, the circus attracts over 30 performers from around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. In 2024 alone, the team appeared at 18 locations across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Falkirk.

Julia Kirilova, event manager at Big Kid Entertainment, said: “We really enjoyed speaking with local people at our first consultation and are looking forward to returning in May.

“Our proposals represent our commitment to Scotland. Over the years, we have called it home, and we now have the chance to set down roots and further develop our relationship with the local community.

“The views of local people are important to us, and we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to involve them in our plans. We look forward to welcoming people to our next event and, importantly, capturing their feedback as we refine proposals ahead of a planning submission to West Lothian Council later this year.”

The event on May 14 is open to all from the community and will take place from 12pm to 7pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, 139 Main Street, East Calder.

A web page is available at: www.bigkidcircus.co.uk

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