DGAP-News: Holmes Investment Properties PLC: HIP Plc appointed as preferred bidder for the development of Stanley Park Golf Course site in Blackpool

29 August 2019
Holmes Investment Properties Plc

("HIP" or "the Company")

HIP Plc appointed as preferred bidder for the development of Stanley Park Golf Course site in Blackpool

Key Highlights

- 21^st Century redeveloped golf offering.

- Flagship venue for David Lloyd's new venture, Adrenalin World.

- Up to 250 new holiday lodges to be developed.

- Total of £45m GBP development.

- Approximately 150 jobs created across the site.

Holmes Investment Properties Plc (Berlin: J16), the UK property investment company focused on the leisure sector, is pleased to announce jointly with Blackpool Council, that it has been appointed as the preferred bidder to develop the Stanley Park Golf Course.

As part of the agreement the site, currently an operational golf course, will be developed to deliver a new golf offering that will be the pride of the golf club members, featuring a leisure and entertainment offering. Appointing Colin Jenkins, GRN Consulting (www.golfconsult.co.uk), as Golf Development Consultant, and in consultation with the Golf Club Committee Representatives, HIP plans to install state of the art practice facilities, including the best technology from TopTracer and Power Tees. HIP will also redevelop the remaining 11 holes to offer a 9-hole course with an emphasis on 6 of those holes to offer a unique Golf Sixes Venue, which will be aimed at increasing participation and retaining existing golfers. Development of the clubhouse and member / visitor facilities remains within the wider plans.

The east of the site is set to be split into two developments: the new indoor & outdoor, family entertainment, multi-activity Adrenalin World (www.adrenalinworld.co.uk) and 250 holiday lodges and associated facilities.

Adrenalin World, the new leisure venture from ex-GB Tennis star and leisure entrepreneur, David Lloyd, to be managed and operated by David Lloyd's Adventure Parks Limited, will offer a broad range of over 20 activities, both indoor and outdoor, to ensure that there are activities suitable for all. The Adrenalin World site will be a destination for the area, creating more than 100 jobs and ensuring year-round entertainment for local residents and tourists alike. HIP has an exclusive agreement to develop a further nine Adrenalin World sites, alongside its other leisure businesses which include World of Golf (Croydon) and Everyone Entertained Limited.

David Lloyd, Founder of David Lloyd's Adventure Parks Limited, commented: "Blackpool is celebrated for its superb attractions and I'm delighted to be able to add to this rich legacy by bringing my new venture, Adrenalin World to the town. I could not be more excited that Blackpool has seen the value in the fabulous opportunities for health, well-being and sheer adventure that we deliver in one superb venue that offers all manner of activities for all age groups. There will be zip-wires, Go-karting, themed mini-golf, wall climbing and virtual reality rooms among other things. It is a one-stop shop for the adventurous in spirit."

"This is a great boom for the town, delivering considerable employment prospects for the area with the creation of 100 jobs at Adrenalin World and at the same time bringing in more visitors and promoting the beauty of Blackpool. We believe this will be a brilliant addition to the amenities on offer in a superb easy-to-access location. We can't wait to get started."

On the far east side of the site, HIP intends to develop 250 holiday lodges and associated facilities and services. This will create additional locations for families to stay in the area as more people take advantage of the staycation. The full plans for this will be available in due course once a full assessment of the capacity of the site has been explored with the planners.

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Job Creation, commented:
"These proposals sound really exciting and I believe a positive way forward for the golf course. While the procurement process was under way the plans had to remain confidential which I know many found frustrating. I am delighted that HIP can finally release the full details of their proposals."

This is a fantastic investment in the both the existing golf course and a new leisure offer with associated accommodation. It would create new jobs and boost the local economy. David Lloyd is a name synonymous with high-quality leisure attractions, I've no doubt that Adrenalin World would be hugely popular with both residents and visitors."

I know a lot of local residents have been keen to know the full details of the proposals and I hope this reassures them that HIP are committed to working with the golf club to retain the western side of the course and improve the facilities. Residents will have a chance to have their say and raise any concerns when the planning application is submitted.

"I am confident that this development would have a positive impact on both the surrounding area and our neighbours. In particular Stanley Park would benefit from improvements as a result of this deal. We will be speaking to Blackpool Teaching Hospitals as they expressed an interest in using part of the site to create a memorial garden and Blackpool Zoo to discuss any potential to further enhance their facilities."

Michael Simmonds, CEO of Holmes Investment Properties Plc, commented: "We are very excited to secure our first site for Adrenalin World, which is expected to be a flagship location for the brand. We also have the advantageous position of working with one of the UK's most successful leisure entrepreneurs who is synonymous with the sector. With this agreement in place, we are now focused on progressing the planning process as soon as possible in order to achieve our target of opening the Adrenalin World site in early 2021."

"With golf important to the area, we are also seeking to improve the sporting experience by significantly upgrading the facilities and attracting more players. This project will be HIP's second investment within golf, following the acquisition of World of Golf, Croydon, in early 2018. Since acquiring World of Golf, HIP has invested in the experience, which has led to a 20% increase in customer usage. We now look forward to working with the golf club committee at Stanley Park to ensure that the game thrives in the future and that we deliver an excellent proposition that the members can be proud of."

HIP will now seek a preapplication meeting with the Council in advance of submitting a full planning application for the Adrenalin World site. Further applications will follow for the development of the golf course and the lodge development respectively.

Enquiries:

HIP Plc & DLAP - Yellow Jersey PR
Charles Goodwin +44 (0)7747 788 22 1
Georgia Colkin
Annabel Atkins
hip@yellowjerseypr.com

Blackpool Council +44 (0) 1253 477273
Jenny Bollington
Jenny.bollington@blackpool.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

Holmes Investment Properties Plc

Holmes Investment Properties Plc (Berlin: J16) - www.hipplc.com - a UK property investment company focused on the leisure sector, listed on the Berlin Stock Exchange in 2011. HIP plans to work with leisure operators to source plots of land, acquire sites under option agreements, gain planning consents, build the leisure centre site to the operator's specification and maximise their returns, against a pre-agreed long-term lease with an agreed yield.

As the leisure market continues to grow, along with the number of leisure centres in the UK, HIP intends to partner with fast growing companies, aiming to develop a minimum of 12 leisure centres over the next 5-6 years, significantly enhancing the Company's balance sheet.