Market assessment and options appraisal – watersports and education activities

Client: Cotswold Lakes Trust

The Cotswold Lakes Trust is a charity dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Lakes for the benefit of wildlife and people. Covering over 42 square miles, the Cotswold Lakes include local and national nature reserves, meadows, waterbodies (some of which are former gravel extraction sites), and a network of trails and car parks. Planning Solutions Consulting was commissioned to carry out a market review and evaluate appropriate water-based uses, education activities and supporting visitor infrastructure which could be introduced at Waterhay Lake and on land immediately adjacent to the lake.  This is part of the wider Cleveland Lakes network, which includes Wickwater Lake and Wickwater Wetlands, and focuses on nature conservation.  Our work included a site assessment, a review of the marketplace focused on the population within specific drive-time catchments, and the wider tourism market alongside the activity and education sectors.  We identified a longlist of uses and used a weighted scoring matrix to assess each one.  As part of the work, we also consulted operators, interested parties, and sport governing bodies. Find out more about the Cotswold Lakes Trust here and future plans for Cleveland Lakes here.

How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out an options appraisal and market assessment for a water sports offer and educational activities please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk