Gosford Forest Park Scoping Study

Client: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council

The Challenge

To undertake a scoping study which:

  • Assessed the current outdoor recreation provision, activity tourism potential and business opportunities
  • Developed recommendations for future recreation and business development

The Role

We led on the scoping study which included:

  • An independent assessment of the current visitor offering in Gosford Forest Park
  • Consultation with key stakeholders, including Forest Service NI, users, lease holders, event organisers and local community to capture suggestions for development
  • Coordination of a public consultation event
  • Identification of the strategic importance of the Forest Park to the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon district
  • Identification of the key issues and barriers to development in the Forest Park
  • Preparation of recommendations for development based on best and strategic fit with what is happening in wider area
  • Preparation of a phased development plan aligned to potential funding sources.

 

The project recommendations received full support from the relevant Council committees and proceeded full masterplan and Economic Appraisal.