THE INDUSTRY LEISUREA YEAR OF ALTERNATIVES Friday, February 9, 2018 2018

In association with 2 THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

The Leisure Industry 2018 In association with

>>David Downing, valuation partner at Sanderson Weatherall >>Sarah Smith, head of licensing at Sintons

2018 is set to be an exciting year for evolution. the North East leisure industry: not 2018 is likely to illustrate that only in terms of the huge programme beautifully with the exciting regener- of events scheduled to take place ation of a number of market places. within the region but also because of Emerging markets We can certainly expect some the development of exciting leisure changes in the Bigg Market, with offerings in Newcastle City Centre. regeneration works having started. The pinnacle of the year is sure to The opening of Revolucion de Cuba be the Great Exhibition of the North this year is set to kick start the trend taking place between June and towards an upmarket, food and September in and around Newcastle and pop-up events drink leisure offering in this area, and Gateshead. The event celebrates with the White Hart Yard operators the best of art, culture and design in and others hot on their heels to the region and will attract people of develop their sites. This will all ages and all walks of life. between the South and Scotland, it’s on the global map as a fantastic Similar Box Parks in the South undoubtedly complement the It will truly be a “once in a gratifying that an artist like Ed place to visit, study or work. Indeed, East have been hugely successful. ongoing leisure developments on lifetime” experience and seeks to Sheeran is playing three dates of his only recently, Newcastle was They encourage and promote local Grey Street and High Bridge. recreate the buzz of the North East latest tour in the North East, putting revealed as being the best place in up-and-coming artists and businesses Pilgrim Street is also set to make a Coast Exhibition of 1929 which gave Newcastle on a footing with the world to visit for 2018 by Rough creating a modern-day shopping mall major impact on the City’s leisure us Exhibition Park and the Palace of Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. Guides – an endorsement in itself. experience with a funky, eclectic offering. the Arts. With summer concerts being This all continues to boost the edge. Pending the building of the With that event having attracted scheduled at Alnwick Castle for economy and the fortunes of those You just have to go to Amble to see designated hotel and office com- over four million people, we can Madness and Il Divo (with promises who live and work here. how this style of operation even on a plexes in this area, the temporary expect a massive influx of tourists of more to come) and the Magic A more permanent variation of very small scale can change the development of STACK and the into the region from all over the Weekend again bringing thousands the pop-up event is also looking to dynamics of an area for the better. exciting plans for the Market Tavern world, not least because the 2018 of rugby league fans into the region make its mark on the region in the The more permanent “bricks and (including a deli and external garden Exhibition is billed to be the biggest in May, the overall vibe is positive. shape of STACK. This temporary Box mortar” sector of the leisure room) put the spotlight on the area. event in England this year. The importance of these events Park, made from over 40 shipping business should not fear the pop-up This complements the fantastic There is a definite sense in the and the impact they have on tourism containers, will create a retail and market as they attract new custom- leisure offerings already in that area industry that good times are here to shouldn’t be under-estimated. They leisure hub in the centre of Newcas- ers to the area. Strong venues and all the hard work put in by stay for the North East – and not promise a huge boost to the tle at the junction of Northumber- constantly review their offerings, Tyneside Cinema to make the area a before time. The huge efforts of the economies of both the leisure land Street and New Bridge Street moving, adapting and reinventing hub of art and culture. local authorities in securing events industry and the region, not only in West. This will be the first of its kind themselves to meet market expecta- All in all, 2018 is shaping up to be for the region should be recognised. the build-up to and during the in the region and will take up tions and the bars and restaurants of a great year. Let’s raise a glass to the Often overlooked as a corridor events, but they also put the region residence for a four-year period. Newcastle are no different in their Northern Lights continuing to shine. major events in the north east 2018

Hamlet Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Ed Sheeran Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland Pretenders, Simple Minds, KT (Royal Shakespeare Company) Theatre Royal St James Park 6/7/2018 Tunstall Northern Stage 17/4/2018 until 28/4/2018 8/6/2018 to 10/6/2018 Emirates Riverside 20/2/2018 until 24/2/2018 Madness 19/8/2018 Manic Street Preachers Let’s Rock The NE 2018 Alnwick Castle Madam Butterfly (Opera North) Metro Radio Arena (Kim Wilde, Midge Ure, ABC + 14/7/2018 Circque Du Soleil Theatre Royal 23/4/2018 more) Metro Radio Arena 20/3/2018 until 22/3/2018 Herrington Country Park Il Divo 29/8/2018 until 2/9/2018 Gary Barlow, KT Tunstall 9/6/2018 Alnwick Castle Sam Smith Sunderland Empire 15/7/2018 Lindisfarne Festival Metro Radio Arena 30/4/2018 Great Exhibition of the North (The Levellers + more) 21/3/2018 Various locations Newcastle Pride Beal Farm, Northumberland Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds 22/6/2018 until 9/9/2018 Town Moor, Newcastle 30/8/2018 until 2/9/2018 The Big One Metro Radio Arena 20/7/2018 until 21/7/2018 (Newcastle Falcons 3/5/2018 Katy Perry Great North Run V Northampton Saints) Metro Radio Arena Iron Maiden Newcastle – South Shields St James’ Park Dacia Magic Weekend 25/6/2018 Metro Radio Arena 9/9/2018 24/3/2018 (Rugby League) 31/7/2018 St James Park Mouth of The Tyne Festival Chris Ramsey - Just Happy To Get Newcastle International Film 19/5/2018 until 20/5/2018 (Paloma Faith + Others) Kubix Festival Out Of The House Festival Tynemouth Priory (Right Said Fred, Fun Lovin’ Metro Radio Arena 29/3/2018 until 2/4/2018 This Is Tomorrow Festival 5/7/2018 until 8/7/2018 Criminals + more) 3/11/2018 (Catfish & The Bottlemen/Every- Herrington Country Park Fast & Furious Live thing Everything + more) Sunniside Live 9/8/2018 until 11/8/2018 Ross Noble - El Hablador Metro Radio Arena Spillers Wharf, Newcastle (Soul II Soul, Reverend & The Newcastle City Hall 6/4/2018 until 8/4/2018 25/5/2018 Makers, Cast + more) 21/11/2018 until 24/11/2018 THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 3

In association with The Leisure Industry 2018 Making sure you are ready for regulations

The impending introduction of the Given the fluctuation of profit ■■ Ensuring accurate records are General Data Protection Regulation margins for leisure businesses, both maintained – what personal data is (GDPR) will have a particularly seasonally and annually, the impact held, where it came from and who it significant effect on the leisure and of such financial penalties could be is shared with hospitality sector, so operators must hugely damaging. ■■ Having correct procedures in ensure they are fully compliant with Compliance with the regulations place to ensure individuals’ rights the new arrangements. will be more stringent, with more of are upheld From 25 May 2018, when the an emphasis on the documentation ■■ Ensuring correct systems in place GDPR comes into force, the ways in that a business must keep to to verify individuals’ ages and obtain which companies and businesses demonstrate their accountability. any necessary parent or guardian process and store personal data will While many businesses have consent to process their data change. traditionally had a casual approach ■■ Storing personal data securely For the leisure industry, personal to handling personal data, that can and having the right procedures in data – meaning any information by no longer be the case. place to detect, report and investi- which an individual can be identi- Some of the key areas in which gate a breach fied – is processed constantly, operators must ensure they are ■■ Designating someone to take through the likes of customer compliant are: responsibility for compliance (if not bookings and reservations, customer ■■ Ensuring policies are accessible required to formally designate a mailing lists, orders and communi- and transparent and having a Data Protection Officer). cation with customers and any privacy policy in place which The GDPR are wider reaching information used for direct market- adequately details how personal regulations than have ever previ- ing and social media communica- data will be handled ously been in force, and the conse- tion. ■■ Ensuring consent is given by quences of failing to comply could All of these actions involve the individuals for the collection of data be serious for leisure operators. collection and processing of and subsequent processing activi- Ahead of their introduction, personal data, so from May onwards, ties, such as promotions and direct businesses should be proactive in businesses must be compliant with marketing. Making it clear how to resolving any concerns or clarifica- the GDPR in order to avoid the opt out of direct marketing commu- tion they require, and seek advice if significant new upper limits of fines nications and honouring any in any doubt. for data security breaches, which requests to do so Pippa Aitken is a Senior Associ- could potentially be as high as ■■ Fully policing any third party data ate and Head of IP at Sintons. 20million euros or else 4% of annual processors tasked to handle personal Contact Pippa on 0191 226 7842 or >>Pippa Aitken turnover (whichever is greater). data collected on their behalf [email protected] How caravan parks are now revolutionising the staycation

By Adam Burkinshaw

In recent years, the UK holiday and caravan park market has seen >>Be it traditional caravans, high quality lodges with hot tubs, pods, yurts, considerable growth, with estab- teepees or treehouses, there is accommodation to suit everyone and every lished holiday parks in high demand. taste With idyllic countryside or beachside locations, holiday and enables a far greater diversity in At the end of 2016, the UK’s largest caravan park holidays have long what we are seeing parks offer to caravan park operator, Parkdean been a staple holiday destination for their customers. Resorts, was sold to Canadian many UK tourists. Rather than simply providing private equity firm, Onex Corpora- But with recent political uncer- accommodation, successful parks tion for over £1.35 billion, an insight tainty, and a subsequent drop in the offer ‘experiences’ to their custom- into the attraction and scale of the value of the pound, new holiday- ers, whether this means a luxury UK holiday park market. Throughout makers are being attracted to lodge with spa facilities, or a ‘back to 2017 and into 2018 we continue to holiday closer to home, leading to nature’ experience. see a very strong demand for holiday further growth in the popularity of There has been a real shift in focus parks across the UK. ‘staycations’ across the UK. caravan park market, but there has caravans, high quality lodges with as park operators invest further Staycations look set to continue in The recent recession, coupled also been a transformation in the hot tubs, pods, yurts, teepees or tree- capital in the holiday and caravan their popularity; a real boost to the with the increasingly trendy parks themselves. houses, there is accommodation to park market, with the majority UK holiday park industry and ‘staycation’ concept, has helped to As ever, holiday park businesses suit everyone and every taste. actively seeking new opportunities testament to the great service and make holidaying in the UK a much have been forward thinking to While the key ingredients of a or investing to expand their parks range of holidays on offer from more popular choice among UK embrace the new demand, creating successful holiday business remain with additional hire fleet accommo- holiday park operators. tourists. Much has been written and developing many new forms of unchanged; location, accommoda- dation or by developing new Adam Burkinshaw about the Brexit vote and its positive accommodation to appeal to tion, price and service; the concepts of holiday accommoda- [email protected] impact on the UK holiday and different customers. Be it traditional increased and wider demand tion. 0134 782 2005 4 THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

The Leisure Industry 2018 In association with Region has top track record for hosting major events

THE North East is now regarded as one of Britain. the UK’s leading destinations for hosting Alongside the World Transplant Games, major events, with recent developments which Newcastle and Gateshead will host strengthening the region’s reputation even next year, all of these huge-scale events further. were awarded to the region on the basis of In the past few years, the region has its facilities, infrastructure, capacity and successfully hosted major occasions track record in hosting major occasions including Olympic football, several fixtures and its commitment to making a success of in the Rugby World Cup, the British them. Transplant Games and a number of major The region is progressing significantly, outdoor concerts at the Alnwick Castle, the which in turn is helping its growing status Stadium of Light in Sunderland, the Mouth as a premium destination. Newcastle is of the Tyne Festival in Tynemouth and at frequently cited as one of the UK’s leading Newcastle’s St James’ Park. These events, in cities, with an array of desirable leisure addition to the regular major occasions of facilities in addition to its premium event the Great North Run, the Sunderland spaces. The North East as a whole is Airshow and the rugby league Magic well-known for its excellent hotel provision Weekend, now in its fourth year in and highly-rated restaurants, with many Newcastle, bring in hundreds of thousands situated rurally, and the economic benefit of visitors to the North East from across the they generate is significant for the commu- UK and overseas. nities in which they operate. Recently, the region’s reputation has Leisure operators will be gearing up to been bolstered further still through provide for the influx of visitors the region securing the likes of the British Masters – will again be seeing as a result of a major held last year at Close House, the first time events – with the Great Exhibition expected in 15 years it has been held in the North to have an unprecedented benefit – and East, with a record attendance of 62,298 – will hopefully see further opportunities as and significantly, this year, the Great the region builds further on its reputation Exhibition of the North. Hailed as the for attracting and hosting major events. biggest event in England during 2018 Christopher Welch is a Partner in the – with three million people expected to Company and Commercial team at engage, generating a projected £184 Sintons. Contact him on Christopher. million for the North East economy – the [email protected] or 0191 226 7831 Great Exhibition will be a summer-long showcase of the North’s role in shaping the Alok Loomba is a Partner in the Real technology of tomorrow, bringing the Estate team at Sintons. Contact him on region’s achievements into the limelight on [email protected] or a scale not seen since the 1951 Festival of 0191 226 7843

>>The British Masters took place at Close House last year, the first time in 15 years it has been held in the North East

>>Sintons’ leisure partners, from left, Adrian Dye, Sarah Smith, Alok Loomba and Christopher Welch

>>Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council Our Great North City is set for a summer of celebration This summer in Newcastle is set to will transform into a stage of art when our two universities lock be one of our busiest in living and innovation, with a full program horns. Newcastle then hosts a memory as we prepare to entertain of events due to be unveiled on record fourth Magic Weekend in visitors local, national and interna- February 27 . This flagship celebra- May. That same venue hosts Ed tional. tion of all the North has to be proud Sheeran for three sell-out nights. For decades now Geordies have of will add to longstanding events When St James’ is alive the city known they live in the UK’s such as the Hoppings, Chinese New reflects it, and I can’t wait to see the unofficial capital of culture, and Year, The Blaydon Race, Mela and fans experience all that is great this year we will be proving that to Northern Pride. about Newcastle. Our Great North the world. Newcastle and Gates- At the same time St James’ Park City is more than just a regional head are set to host the Great will be host to its first Premiership capital; it is a thriving exciting city Exhibition of the North; the largest Rugby Union match this March, at the heart of modern Britain, and event in England in 2018. with “The Big One” between the this is our summer to prove it. From June 22 to the finale on Falcons and Northampton Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle Great North Run weekend the city preceded by the varsity match City Council THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 5

In association with The Leisure Industry 2018 Region has top track record for hosting major events

Building Projects – Plan for Success

WITH a strong and developing leisure market, operators are >>Alex Rayner, increasingly looking at their options Partner and Head to expand. Carrying out a building of Construction or renovation project is a risky and and Engineering potentially costly process, so it is at Sintons vital it is fully scoped and risk- assessed at the earliest possible stage. ■■ Consent and Planning At the very outset it is crucial to establish whether or not you are legally entitled to carry out the works. This may include reviewing the terms under which you own or occupy the property and may reveal that before undertaking any works you are required to take further steps such as seeking landlord consent or entering into a licence for alterations, without which you may be in breach of the terms of your occupation. Further you will need to consider whether an application for planning permission is required, and decide the best procurement route for your build route and you may also need where this application needs to fit particular needs. to consider whether the provision into your project timetable. You will need to decide whether of collateral warranties will be you are using a standard form of required. ■ ■ Procurement Strategy contract and if so which form suits Every project is different and the procurement you have chosen. ■ there is no ‘one size fits all’ strategy Further, you may require bespoke ■ Third Parties for procuring building works. The amendments to those standard You will need to consider the route most suitable for your project forms of contract in order that the extent to which the documents you will depend upon balancing contract better suits the specific are entering into are subject to the competing interests such as time, needs or you and your project. consent of third parties, such as cost and quality. Common your Funder or the Landlord or procurement routes include: Tenant of the property, or whether Design and build – where the ■■ Professional and Design Team those third parties will require contractor is responsible for both You will need to decide which collateral warranties from the design and construction. consultants you intend to engage designers and the contractor. Traditional – the contractor to design, monitor and certify the For example, a Funder of a builds to the design provided to works, such as Architects, Engineers development may require sight of him by the developer’s consultants. and Quantity Surveyors. all of the contracts you are seeking Management contracting – a It is crucial to ensure that you to enter into and wish to carry out management contractor manages formalise the appointment of your its own due diligence on the the works and places separate professional team on terms that project as a whole, including the works contracts with individual protect your position and detail key cost schedules. trade contractors. terms such as scope, fees and the Construction management procedure for payment. You may Alex Rayner is Partner and – the construction manager need to consider whether certain Head of Construction and arranges for the developer to consultants are to be novated to Engineering at Sintons. To speak appoint specialist trade contractors. the contractor under a design and to Alex, call 0191 226 7908 or You should take advice early on email [email protected]

NEW VENUE WILL ALLOW EAGLES TO SOAR >>The Newcastle Eagles’ Fab Flournoy marks the start of construction of the new 2,800 seater stadium in Elswick AS a region known for its sports something which was not team on a range of matters. teams and its ability to host big possible at its current home at Adrian Dye, long-standing sporting events, the creation of Sports Central in Northumbria advisor to the Eagles, said: “This a new purpose-built venue will University. is a very significant project in increase the North East’s The stadium will also be terms of its scale and also in its capacity even further. home to its Eagles Community reach. It is a very sizeable After many years in the Foundation, a pioneering project and the first purpose- planning, Newcastle Eagles outreach project which involves built sports stadium to happen have now broken ground on a children and schools across in the region for many years, new 2,800 seater stadium in Newcastle and the wider region. but also, it has huge potential Elswick, Newcastle, which has The Eagles have also formed a for both the Eagles and its been hailed as a major project partnership with Newcastle impact on the community. We for the club, city and wider College to offer opportunities to are delighted to be involved region. its students. with such a landmark project. The new venue will allow the Law firm Sintons – who act “Sintons’ specialist leisure Eagles, the most successful for a number of sporting clubs team has capability to act on a British basketball team of all and organisations across the wide range of matters, with time, to host major tourna- North East – have been advisor sports facilities being one of the ments and events, as well as to the Eagles throughout the many areas in which we have allowing the club to compete in project, with lawyers from the expertise and resource to European competitions, across the firm advising the advise clients.” 6 THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

The Leisure Industry 2018 In association with Hitting the right note The importance of independent music venues to North East music

Following previous successes, front of an audience and enable this year marked the fifth year of them to hone their skills. Independent Venue Week, a Nadine Shah, South Tyneside nationwide celebration of small singer-songwriter and an ambassa- music venues around the UK. dor for Independent Venue Week, Over 170 venues participated in commented on the importance of the event that aims to recognise the these venues. people that run independent venues “Every small music venue has its across the UK, their contribution to own unique history and character,” music, and encourage gig-goers to she said. “Coming from the North get out there and support local East it’s hard to pick a favourite, but venues. The Cluny in the Ouseburn valley is Across the North East there has most probably the venue I’ve not always been a strong independent only played at the most but also seen scene, from established venues such the most other bands. as The Cluny, The Riverside and “It’s of the utmost importance that Think Tank, to new and emerging we protect these places. Independ- venues such as The Boilershop and ent venues are the backbone of the Wylam Brewery’s Palace of the Arts music industry, places where we in Exhibition Park. nurture and grow tomorrow’s >>The Wylam Brewery in Exhibition Park Historically the region has musical icons. produced a range of musical talent, “The ‘agent of change’ principle including The Animals, Mark will require those responsible for Knopfler, Sting and folk artists such new residential accommodation to as The Unthanks, but more recently ensure that measures are put into we have seen newer acts from the place to allow venues to continue to North East performing on the operate while co-existing with these national, and even global stage. new developments. One of the first acts to reach “The UK prides itself on its national recognition was Maximo musical output, and without these Park. Formed in Newcastle in 2000 measures being put into place to >>Maximo Park Maximo Park shot to fame when ensure the safety of these venues their debut album, A Certain Trigger, then the British music industry itself the same bars, drink the same beer was nominated for a Mercury Prize. will quickly become a grey, dull and listen to the same music! Similarly, Field Music are another version of its former vibrant “Music is the very core of our Mercury Prize-nominated rock band glittering self.” business. Changing customer from Sunderland who, alongside Julian Ive and Steve Parkin, expectations means that we Maximo Park, and DJ Patrick owners of The Cluny, said: “We constantly need to be offering Topping, have really helped put the believe in supporting local artists, as something different, and live music North East music scene on the map, so much about the character of our nights give fans the chance to watch as well as paving the way for cities is within the independent acts that, one day, may well be emerging artists such as Sam Fender, venues that form their makeup. headlining at festivals and selling The Old Pink House and This Little “Without independent venues out stadiums.” Bird. such as The Cluny we would all go to The independent music scene in There has always been a collective the North East is constantly evolving attitude between popular bands and the resurgence in the popularity from the North East, with numerous of such venues is evident. After a bands sharing members over the busy year last year, and another years, including Field Music, The Every small music successful independent venues Futureheads and Frankie & The week, we look forward to the year Heartstrings. venue has its own ahead and envisage the North East The similarities don’t stop there, music scene continuing to go from as the bands all forged their careers unique history and strength to strength. in independent venues. These character David Downing venues will often present artists with [email protected] >>Nadine Shah their first experience of playing in Nadine Shah 0191 269 0151 Emerging locations – the ever-changing face of Newcastle’S leisure markeT

We have been spoilt for choice in created an impressive number of pubs, clubs and Jesmond continue to attract Newcastle for many years with entrance to the city for and bars which helped it interest from food-led operators several established circuits, travellers, but it has quickly to earn a long-held keen to find a pitch in these popular providing high-quality leisure become the centre for a hub reputation as the party locations. destinations that rival any other city of retail and leisure activity. quarter of Newcastle. With the right investment and in the UK. There has been a Business improvement the continued regeneration across City-centre leisure markets across noticeable increase in new district company NE1 is the city, we believe Newcastle’s the UK are evolving and Newcastle venues around the station due to start works that leisure market will continue to go is no different. The leisure landscape with The Newcastle Tap, will aim to provide a new from strength to strength. With the in Newcastle is constantly adapting Launderette and The lease of life for the street, upcoming completion of the to meet the demands of consumers, Hudson all opening. >>Kevin McGorie which has looked rather Newgate Shopping Centre and it is interesting to see a cyclical Alongside this is the down-at-heel recently, redevelopment by McAleer & Rushe evolution as specific areas rise and undoubted success of the with plans including and the redevelopment of East fall in popularity. development of the railway arches, pavement cafes and al fresco dining Pilgrim Street, we will be soon be In recent years we have seen the creating a number of spaces for opportunities. welcoming in the new ‘go-to’ leisure rejuvenation of the Station circuit, leisure businesses large and small, It is not only the city centre that is circuits. following the £25million regenera- including The Split Chimp Micropub seeing an upturn in demand from Kevin McGorie tion of Newcastle Central Station. and the Golf Rooms. the leisure industry. Affluent [email protected] The development has not only The Bigg Market is home to a suburban hotspots such as Gosforth 0191 269 0174 >>Newcastle Central Station THE JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018 7

In association with The Leisure Industry 2018

Using space differently – how venues in the North East are setting themselves apart

The North East’s leisure sector is to make buildings more unique. currently thriving and with a In Newcastle you can find The number of venues opening over Kiln – a pottery yard and restau- the past 12 months, competition is rant; Arch 2, a former tyre shop reaching unparalleled levels. which is now a micro-brewery; the In recent years, the North East Cook house, a shipping container has been spoilt for choice when it bistro and, of course, the conver- comes to alternative venues and sion of the former Palace of the this is meaning that now, more Arts into a craft beer destination than ever, operators are having to by Wylam Brewery. set themselves apart There are also plans from the competition. to convert the former It is becoming more Odeon cinema site in apparent that when Newcastle city centre people go out, they into the largest don’t just want a drink shipping container – they want an box park outside of alternative offer to London. Newcastle keep them coming STACK, the circa- back. A snapshot of £1million scheme. this change in consum- was announced by er perceptions is North East leisure evident when looking developers Danielli at Newcastle’s top 10 Holdings who would night life venues on >>Stephen Richardson extend their lease for Trip Advisor. Of the 10 a further four years to venues there are three open over 50 ‘traditional’ pubs or bars and then independent cafes, bars, restau- a cabaret club, comedy club, rants and shops set inside brewery, casino, pool hall and two converted shipping containers. live music venues. With the leisure sector in the A unique entertainment offering North East constantly adapting to is not the only way that operators meet the ever-changing needs of are attempting to distinguish consumers, the region is firmly themselves in a competitive affirming itself as one of the top UK market. The innovative use of leisure destinations, with one of space is becoming a more popular the most diverse leisure portfolios method to help venues stand out in the country. from the crowd. Stephen Richardson There are a number of examples [email protected] across the North East of the 0191 269 0176 creative re-use of forgotten spaces

>>The Boiler Shop in Newcastle city centre

An oversupply of casual dining outlets?

The UK casual dining market is particular we have seen market for outlets such as (including their MetroCentre outlet). undergoing a real period of transfor- Tapas Revolution, Red’s True these. The burger operators are not the only mation with operators facing difficult Barbecue, The Alchemist ■■ Burger Wars ones experiencing the pressures, and times due to cost pressures and and Turtle Bay all open In particular, over the there are already a number of units consumers spending less and less on within the recent past. past couple of years, the that have opened relatively recently eating out. Recent surveys have While on the face of it North East’s insatiable being marketed for assignment. shown that a quarter of consumers this is brilliant news for the appetite for gourmet >>The Byron Burger restaurant The failure of Handmade Burger Co will spend less on eating and consumer, there has also burger chains has grown and the restructuring of Byron drinking out in 2018, which will only been a negative effect on significantly with Byron, ongoing demand for fast service – however shows a clear example of apply further pressure on the heavily the independent operator Five Guys and Smashburg- sounds easy, right? the pressures and, with the recent congested casual dining sector. as chain operators move in >>Mark Convery er all opening within Both nationally and locally we announcement that Jamie’s Italian The transformation of Newcastle’s and increase the competi- walking distance of each have seen a number of burger chains are looking at a restructure, it does food and drink market has been tion for the pound in the other. experiencing trading difficulties. make us wonder whether there will gaining pace for some time, but public’s pocket. The growth in popularity of such Most notably Handmade Burger be more casualties in the casual perhaps the most notable change in Some would argue that these burger chains is a reflection of a Company was placed into adminis- dining sector over the next few recent years has been the number of chain brands are no competition for change in consumer perceptions. It tration last year and ceased trading, months? casual dining venues that have the quality and uniqueness of the largely echoes consumers desire for and Byron Burger entered a rescue Mark Convery opened in the city centre. At Eldon independent operators, but it must high quality, fresh food in a more deal that could see up to a third of [email protected] Square and Newgate Street in be remembered there is only a finite informal setting, while satisfying the their UK stores closing their doors 0191 269 0103 Distilling expert property advice in Newcastle since 1858 Our dedicated team of leisure property professionals offer a complete commercial service to operators, developers and investors.

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