Seaside Regeneration Studies
Over the last couple of decades or so, the popularity of the British seaside holiday has been one of decline. Today, however, many resorts are trying to re-invent themselves and increase visitor numbers through impressive regeneration schemes and investment. The GVA Humberts Leisure Consulting and Planning teams are well versed in bringing together a wealth of experience to advise upon such opportunities. Some of our most recent work is illustrated below.
Herne Bay Pier
Herne Bay Pier is currently home to a major community sports centre. Studies have led to the planned relocation of these facilities. GVA Humberts Leisure was commissioned by Canterbury City Council to advise on the tourism development options available once the sports centre is relocated, to ensure a viable long-term leisure-led development on the Pier and seafront regeneration. We have subsequently worked with Tourism South East to ensure the regeneration of the Pier fits with wider strategic plans.
Boscombe Pier & Overstrand Complex
GVA Humberts Leisure was commissioned by Bournemouth City Council to research the market for the restoration of Boscombe Pier and the adjoining Overstrand holiday chalet complex. Our study recommended scaling down proposals for the pier, with a range of options identified for the Overstrand. Boscombe Pier has now been shortened and restored, whilst the Overstrand has been successfully refurbished as luxury holiday chalets designed by Wayne Hemingway.
North Bay, Scarborough
GVA Humberts Leisure Consulting was instructed by Scarborough Borough Council to provide guidance as to the most appropriate use of a major edge-of-town site. Our team identified a mixed-use development incorporating retail, residential and hotel elements as well as visitor attractions. We subsequently marketed the site, and 'The Sands' has now partially opened.
Barry Island, South Wales
Since the closure of the Island's holiday camp in the mid-1990s, visitor numbers to Barry Island have been in decline. The Vale of Glamorgan Council was keen for a leisure-led development overlooking Whitmore Bay to generate new visitors and ensure the survival of local businesses. Our team reviewed the available development options for the site. The Council has subsequently obtained public feedback and is planning to market the site later this year.
Llandudno Pier Pavilion
GVA Humberts Leisure was commissioned jointly by Conwy Borough Council and the local Regeneration Partnership to advise on potential leisure uses to underpin proposals to re-build a grade-II listed pavilion at the root end of Llandudno Pier. The work involved a detailed market assessment of potential leisure uses and a canvas of potential developers/operators.
Skegness Southern Foreshore
East Lindsey District Council asked GVA Humberts Leisure's Consulting team to advise on the potential market for a new destination leisure development on a large area of land on the largely undeveloped southern foreshore in Skegness. Our team evaluated a number of potential leisure and alternative uses – which were then incorporated into a new Development and Planning Brief for marketing the site to developers.
Key Contacts
John Anderson,
john.anderson(at)gva.co.uk +44 (0)113 280 8032
Martin Taylor,
martin.taylor(at)gva.co.uk, +44 (0)20 7911 2220
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