The facts
Location: Hoylake, Wirral
Client: Metropolitan Borough of Wirral
Start / completion dates: April 2006 - July
2007
Services provided: needs assessment, technical
assessment, feasibility, planning review
The project
Capita Symonds was commissioned by Wirral Council to conduct a
detailed Needs Assessment into the potential for a new golf resort
at Hoylake, Wirral. The feasibility study considered the scope for
the project in relation to the regional and international golf,
hotel and ancillary leisure markets (including soft market
testing), before examining site options and planning
constraints.
Following this exercise, Capita Symonds was commissioned to
carry out a Technical Assessment of the development potential to
inform any future consideration of alternative locations for the
proposed facility. The Capita Symonds Sport, Leisure & Culture
team coordinated a wide range of specialists from other parts of
the Company (and a number of associates) to explore a range of
physical factors including landscape, environmental impact,
drainage, flood risk, utility provision, access and traffic
impact.
The assessment factors were reviewed by preparing sieve maps
showing the extent of the spatial constraints which applied within
the Area of Search. Four different scenarios were used to assess
the technical criteria and explore ways in which the site could be
used to create a golf resort.
The Assessments concluded that there is scope for the
development of a world class Golf Resort within the Area of Search
at Hoylake.
Peter Riley, Project Manager Special Initiatives Team -
Metropolitan Borough of Wirral:
In trying to investigate and deliver such an innovative, complex and ultimately challenging project, engaging the right consultants is essential. In this regard, Capita Symonds proved more than equal to the task and delivered on time and on budget. Their staff, at times, had to work to very tight deadlines and accommodate client requests sometimes at very short notice and this they did in a most courteous and professional way.