Development Options Appraisals & Masterplanning
The GVA Humberts Leisure Consulting and Planning teams are often asked what type of development would work best on a particular site. Our experienced tourism planning and leisure consultants are well versed in examining the available leisure / tourism-led development options for a location and providing detailed recommendations to our clients, as shown below.
Haigh Hall Estate, Wigan
Set in 250 acres of country parkland estate, Haigh Hall is a valuable public amenity with a range of leisure facilities. Wigan Council had recognised that there was a pressing need for investment in the site and appointed our team to advise on new revenue streams and commercial development potential to help sustain the Estate for the enjoyment of future generations, whilst generating a receipt for the Council in the face of spending cutbacks.
Hengrove Park, South Bristol
The site of a former airport, Hengrove Park is a large area of open space, surrounded by residential areas with a high level of deprivation. Bristol City Council had proposed the regeneration of the area and appointed GVA Humberts Leisure to advise upon the potential to develop a tourist destination of regional significance. Our destination consulting team examined the available options, likely economic impact and commissioned masterplanners to provide a graphic representation of the scheme. Phase 1 of Hengrove Park’s regeneration (including a new public leisure centre) is now well underway.
Fairlop Waters & Hainault Forest Country Parks
The London Borough of Redbridge had recognised that there was a need to increase the level of revenue derived from the parks to ensure their long-term sustainability as valuable community and visitor resources. GVA Humberts Leisure was asked to appraise the available development options, including demand for such uses and the level of commercial operator interest. Our study identified a number of potential concepts for the two sites, and the Council is now taking our recommendations forward – despite the difficult economic climate.
Walton Hall & Gardens, Cheshire
Our leisure planning and consulting team was commissioned by Warrington Borough Council to advise upon leisure destination development options for the Council-owned Walton Hall Estate with a view to securing new investment in the property. Our team reviewed development opportunities, considered their likely viability and ability to meet community objectives. The Council is presently considering a number of our recommendations for the site.
Leisure Centre Development
Our sport and leisure consultants were commissioned by Derbyshire Dales District Council to identify the most appropriate mix of indoor and outdoor recreational and leisure uses at the Dimple – a former municipal tip located near Matlock. The study evaluated a broad range of uses, culminated in a recommended and optimum scheme and provided advice on management options, funding and procurement strategy. Subsequently, we undertook a detailed economic impact assessment submitted as part of a major regional grant finding bid. The construction of the centre has commenced.
Arena Gateway, Essex
Adjacent to Lakeside Shopping Centre, the site is currently a mix of open space, motor sports uses and a small lake. GVA Humberts Leisure formed part of a wider team appointed to undertake a development options appraisal and masterplanning study to provide enhanced leisure facilities for this part of the Thames Gateway as part of an overall masterplan to expand and regenerate Thurrock and the surrounding area.
Development of a 'Sports Village' Concept
Our client was considering the roll-out of a 'Sports Village' concept at a number of sites across the UK. Centred on leisure, sports & recreation facilities, this included a football academy, waterpark, urban leisure, a hotel and residential apartments. Our leisure consulting team was asked to formulate a strategic plan for the development of the concept and market study to assess likely levels of demand and rental income that could be achieved from each of the components being considered.
Key Contacts
Martin Taylor,
martin.taylor(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)20 7911 2220
John Anderson,
john.anderson(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)113 280 8032
Nigel Mills,
nigel.mills(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)20 7911 2233
Peter Sharp,
peter.sharp(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)20 7911 2201