Irchester Country Park – feasibility study

Client: North Northamptonshire Council

Irchester Country Park has been developed on a former ironstone quarry and extends to some 200 acres which provides a characterful and interesting landscape, topography and environment. The park opened in 1971 and is one of first country parks in England established after the passing of the Countryside Act in 1968.

Planning Solutions Consulting Limited was commissioned by North Northamptonshire Council to carry out a feasibility study to enhance the visitor facilities and the supporting ‘back of house’ infrastructure at Irchester Country Park. Find out more about Irchester Country Park here. 

Our work included a detailed assessment of the current visitor experience and visitor trends to identify the baseline position. The wider policy context was considered to build the strategic case for investment and the planning context was also reviewed. A detailed market assessment was carried out in terms of the residential marketplace living within specific drivetime catchments of the Irchester Country Park, the country parks sector was also analysed alongside the education marketplace and competitive landscape. Case examples of development projects at other country park were reviewed to identify critical success factors for Irchester Country Park. Working with staff at North Northamptonshire Council, a range of opportunities were identified to enhance the visitor experience. A scoring matrix helped to evaluate opportunities, which had to be appropriate in form and scale. Working with Hiraeth Architecture concept sketches were produced. Financial impacts were identified and funding opportunities were considered as part of the work, alongside a risk assessment. 

How can we help?
If have any questions about carrying out a feasibility study for a country park please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk