Pickering Showground plan unveiled (From Gazette & Herald)

Pickering Showground plan unveiled

12:30pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By Karen Darley

A MULTI-million pound investment to transform Pickering Showground into a multi-use residential and leisure development has been unveiled.

Comprising an exhibition and conference facility, outdoor leisure pursuits centre, nature reserve, children’s outdoor play areas, indoor softplay and camping park, the showground, which has been rebranded Ryedale Exhibition & Leisure Village, is aiming to bring sustainable long-term benefits to Pickering and the surrounding area.

The signature feature will be an eco-sustainable development of about 110 lodges ranging in size from two to four bedrooms.

Jason Bruton, director of Ryedale Showground Ltd, said the development would cover an area of 120 acres on and around the existing Pickering Showground.

He said: “The site has been under- utilised for many years and in order for it to reach its full potential, work has already commenced on a major programme of investment aimed at attracting a wider range of events.

“The plans for Ryedale Exhibition & Leisure Village will have a major positive effect on the local economy. From improved leisure and recreation facilities to increased tourism visitors; from real job creation to major growth opportunities for existing local businesses, these proposals will bring sustainable long-term benefits to the people of Pickering and the surrounding area.”

Mr Bruton said: “We are delighted to confirm that if the proposals are approved, we will create 35 construction jobs over the course of the five year-building project, 15-20 events team roles and between five and 10 maintenance management opportunities.”

Work has already started to improve drainage and permanent car parking will be laid. Access to the facility will also be improved.

Mr Bruton said: “We plan to totally re-model the exterior of the arena converting what is at present an unattractive industrial-type unit into a contemporary exhibition and events centre unlike anything in the north of England.

“Inside, part of the building will be allocated to a children’s play area featuring soft play, ball pools, climbing frames, slides and tubes; an outdoor play park and a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating.

“The exhibition space will be improved making it suitable for more varied events and will be complemented by new bar and catering facilities.The new eco-lodge and camping park will feature wooden cabin-style holiday homes plus areas for touring caravans and motorhomes, with a separate area set aside for camping and glamping.

Mr Bruton said the focal point of the outdoor pursuits centre would be the creation of a lake suitable for year round access for non-motorised watersports from canoeing to wind surfing.

“This idyllic waterscape will be overlooked on the western side by our luxury lodges and a high quality restaurant and bar with waterside terrace to the east,” he added.

“In addition to the lake, we will be installing an adventure zone complete with zip-line aerial wire slide aimed at family visitors and tourism groups. Completing this exciting zone will be a children’s outdoor play park.

“We have set aside a large area for a nature reserve where wildlife and plants will be able to flourish and visitors can relax and there are also plans for a fully managed park and ride scheme which will allow visitors to easily access Pickering and also help alleviate congestion in the town centre.”

Mr Bruton said the company was very excited by the developments planned for the site.

“They will have a positive effect on both the local community, in terms of improved recreational facilities, and on the local economy due to increased tourism and event attendance.”

Mayor of Pickering, William Oxley said: “My personal thought is that it can only be positive for the town and area.

“They seem to have a well- thought through plan to get events up an running which will have long term benefits for Pickering.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year.