CHALLENGE
Ford Castle had recently been returned to the estate after 60+ years lease to the local authority, who operated a children’s residential activity centre within the castle and grounds. Externally, the castle was in excellent condition following several years of extensive restoration. Internally, the castle was in a poor state of repair, with all historic items having been removed and a lack of investment in maintenance by the local authority.
Savills Tourism, Leisure & Events Consultancy were instructed to assess the feasibility of potential uses of the Castle, safeguarding it’s future and contributing towards it’s upkeep.
SOLUTION
Working with key stakeholders we facilitated a series of workshops in order to develop a vision statement and set of values that would guide any future uses of the castle. A detailed analysis of the local population demographics, passing traffic counts and visiting tourism markets was then undertaken.
From the vision and values we were able to discount certain uses from the beginning. The detailed market analysis highlighted that future uses would be heavily reliant on tourism due to the very small local population and passing traffic. Operating models for the different uses were assessed, including in-hand, third-party and joint venture. Working with the Savills Architecture, Building & Surveying team based in Newcastle we assessed likely development costs and the resultant return on investment for the different uses.
RESULTS
Throughout the project we worked collaboratively with key stakeholders, ensuring they were involved in the decision making process at each stage based on the evidence we presented. Our recommendations were well received by the owners, trustees and estate managers.
Through our engagement with third parties, were were also able to successfully introduce a party who went on to lease the castle on a long-term basis.