New attractions planned at Tatton Park
NEW developments are planned at Tatton Park with the aim of pulling in one million visitors a year and lessening its reliance on public subsidies.
A report by Cheshire East Council reveals ambitious plans for the historic estate over the next five years that will “dramatically reduce”, or eliminate, the £900,000 subsidy it requires each year.
It also wants to expand Tatton’s reputation as a “major venue” and attract private investment to exploit retail and catering opportunities at the stable yard to “transform it to destination level”.
The council says it is continuing to seek efficiencies at Tatton but the visitor facilities must be developed if it is to become self-sufficient.
“The proposals presented in this report offer Tatton Park the opportunity of realising its full economic potential, eliminate its need for public subsidy and continue to deliver its environmental, educational, social and lease obligations,” states the document which has been prepared ahead of a cabinet meeting on January 17.
The park, close to Knutsford, contains Tatton Hall manor house, gardens, a farm and a 1,000-acre deer park. It attracts 800,000 visitors a year and is owned by the National Trust, but managed and financed by the council.
Cabinet members are being asked to throw their support behind the “invest to save” programme already endorsed by the Tatton Park board.
The report has little specific detail on the amount required to invest or the planned new developments which have been set out by management consultants from Alderley Edge-based Blue Sail Consultants.
It says the new attraction must be “in line with the Tatton brand” and meet National Trust requirements, but also provide a “bespoke offer” and “address market potential”. The events programme requires “moderate investment” to develop the quality and flexibility of facilities.
The farm also requires moderate investment to take advantage of the family market, and it is a priority to realise development opportunities in the “top yard”, says the report.
