16 March 2015
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is seeking a new tenant to offer a high quality customer experience at its flagship building in a prime location on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The two-storey 728 sq m contemporary glass building sits within the spectacular Loch Lomond Shores visitor destination at Balloch. Loch Lomond Shores is the second most visited free attraction in Scotland; with more than 1.2 million visitors each year.
The contemporary and flexible open plan design lends itself to a number of uses having previously been operated as a visitor centre, café and retail outlet.
The Park Authority is keen to receive tenders, which could include an authentic Scottish food and drink offer and a fresh approach that will tie-in with outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Loch Lomond.
The Park Authority anticipates that tenders will demonstrate a commitment to engage with the National Park’s visitors through their staff and to the Park’s core values.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park head of visitor experience Mairi Bell said: “We know our visitors want to be inspired by their visit and feel like they have experienced the best of what Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has to offer. It is essential that this gateway to the wider Park leaves people with a lasting impression and a truly memorable experience.
“We are looking for a committed operator who understands the needs of our visitors, who can provide an informed and engaging experience embedding the National Park’s core values at the heart of their business. Food and drink is a huge part of the visitor experience and we see growing opportunities to attract an existing family market and new visitors to the Park.”
Loch Lomond Shores offers year-round appeal with a mix of shopping experiences including luxury retailer Jenners, outdoor clothing stores and several small eateries, as well as a growing number of family attractions including a new ropes course, Sea Life centre, bird of prey centre and mini golf course and activities including pedalo hire, bike hire and canoe hire. In addition, a new pontoon from which both cruises and waterbuses can depart will be fully operational for the first time from Easter.
The destination and surrounding area is already undergoing a second phase of investment. Scottish Enterprise is marketing further investment opportunities with a view to developing new tourism accommodation, activities, catering and retail businesses into Balloch and a new 27 bedroom Marston’s motel will open in the Spring.
The site, which is 30 minutes from Glasgow, is easily accessible from the A82, one of Scotland’s main trunk roads. It also has excellent rail and bus links to Glasgow, as well as a direct cycle route from the heart of the city. There is a direct access path to the building from Cameron House Hotel.
The surrounding area hosts a variety of large scale events throughout the year including, The Great Scottish Swim, food & drink festivals, Loch Lomond Wedding Fair, farmers markets and community cinema nights.
For more information on the development and to register interest visit http://www.investinthepark.org. It is anticipated that an operator will be appointed in July 2015 with a view to opening in spring 2016.
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Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority.
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For further information or interviews with Mairi Bell please contact:
Kelly Paterson
T: 0141 333 9585 M: 07882 152 914
E: Kelly.Paterson@bigpartnership.co.uk
OR
Ruth Crosbie, PR and Media Manager (Mon-Wed), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park on 01389 722120 or 07739 931263
Nancy McLardie, PR and Media Manager (Thurs-Fri), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park on 01389 722016 or 07834 334108
Notes to editors:
· Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park was established in 2002
· The National Park attracts 4 million visitors each year (equating to 7 million visitor days)
· The National Park covers 720sq miles
· 50% of Scotland’s population live within one hour’s drive of the National Park
· Visitor spend in the National Park annually is £153.4million