Leeds based UK Sports Parks plc has applied for planning permission to develop their first multi activity sports and leisure facility on a 30-acre site near Gateacre and Woolton in Liverpool.
The Liverpool Sport Park will feature:
• A 5-a-Side Soccer Centre with 11 floodlit, all weather pitches and dedicated soccer club house
• A 54,000 sq. ft. multi use “Hub” featuring flexible units from 2,000sq ft, all enjoying access from a glazed atrium, some with triple and double eaves height
• A 9 hole “Play the World” par 3 golf course, “Himalayas” style putting green and dedicated club house
• A 2-Acre angling lake with 21 wheelchair accessible pegs
UK Sports Parks plc is completing the golf course, angling lake and the 280 space car park ready for leasing by specialist operators.
“The Hub” will be developed to shell specification to match tenant’s specific requirements and the Soccer Centre is available as a completed facility or serviced plot.
Chris Bennett, director of UK Sports Parks plc said, “The Sports Park will bring together a large number of different sports and activities in one location and appeal to a wide cross section of users. Whole families visiting the Sports Park will find something for everyone to enjoy.”
Possible operators for “The Hub” include: health & fitness, sports injury, a day spa, climbing wall, skate park, ice rink and adventure play…. the opportunities are boundless.
UK Sports Parks plc co-director Jonathan Snellgrove added, “The mix of uses and activities is central to the success of the Sports Park. It is essential that we create a development that will attract as wide a cross section of visitor, throughout the day and week, as possible. The opportunities are limited only by your imagination.”
UK Sports Parks plc are also close to securing a second site in the North West and are actively looking for further opportunities Nationwide to expand the brand.
Jonathan Snellgrove continues by saying, “Our Sports Park concept will compliment any regeneration plans that local authorities and development agencies may be considering and our early involvement ensures a balanced regeneration project that delivers sustainable Sports and Leisure facilities that do not rely on residential development to succeed”.
The Soccer Centre will work as a self-contained facility within The Liverpool Sports Park with its own clubhouse incorporating changing rooms, bar, lounge area and external terrace overlooking the latest generation synthetic all weather pitches.
“We felt it was important to give the footballers their own space to run off steam, whilst benefiting from the overall attraction of the Sports Park”, Said Chris Bennett.
The Central Hub provides the core activity centre for The Sports Park. The space is available for large indoor activities and complimentary smaller specialist operations aimed at providing a mix that will appeal to individuals and families alike. The central glazed atrium provides a focal point to meet friends and family members, making the most of the different facilities, to enjoy the “alfresco” style catering.
“At up to 54,000sqft we have an opportunity to provide purpose built space for large indoor sport & leisure activities that operators can’t find elsewhere on Merseyside,” added Jonathan Snellgrove.
The Play the World Golf Course will be the only par 3 course on Merseyside and takes its inspiration from some of the most famous golf holes in the world. Open to the public on a pay and play basis, the course will prove popular with experienced and novice golfers looking to enjoy a round of golf in an hour.
The course will be built to USGA Specification and feature 2 lakes. A huge putting green and crazy golf course will reinforce the family friendly Sports Park concept and the dedicated clubhouse will provide for even more social activities.
Golf architect Bruce Weller, the designer of the course, said, “It has been great to be involved in this project which I think will fill a much needed gap in Merseyside’s golf provision. I have taken my inspiration from the general layout and landscaping of famous Links Courses in America and UK, with the inclusion of The Angling Lake allowing me to bring water into play on 2 holes.”
The Angling Lake will also provide a much-needed facility in this part of Liverpool and allow wheelchair access to 21 purpose built fishing pegs. Added to space within The Central Hub the angling facility will be suitable for groups and individuals looking to learn or simply enjoy the sport.
“Angling is the most popular sport in England and I see that it is also being used to help include younger members of society and even as rehabilitation therapy and recovery exercise for post op patients” added Chris
Weller Designs www.wellerdesigns.co.uk