Savills Goes Wild
The real estate giant has been appointed to source a third-party operator for a multi-purpose event venue at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster.
Designed to hold more than 2,500 capacity, Hex Event Venue is set over a ground floor and mezzanine, with construction paused to allow the selected operator to have an input into the final configuration of the space. Completed work to date includes groundwork, foundations, steel frame, and roof purlins.
Savills has been appointed by Wild Group, owners of the wildlife conservation centre, which has an annual footfall of around 850,000 visitors and turnover of more than £20 million. Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened in 2009 and underwent significant expansion in 2018 when it acquired an additional 150 acres. The site now covers 440 acres of land, including 104 hotel rooms, 15 retail units, restaurants, coffee shops, conference facilities, and the new Hex Events Venue.
YWPR chief executive John Minion said, “We already attract a considerable footfall to the resort, but this is also an opportunity to build new audiences too, especially with the planned reopening of South Yorkshire Airport City next year.”
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park's ongoing development reflects a strategic effort to bolster local tourism and expand its offerings to both existing and new visitors. As the venue emerges from construction, expectations are high for the kind of events and functions it can attract.
With events spanning from corporate functions to public gatherings, the Hex Event Venue is poised to be a centerpiece of community engagement and celebration. Its strategic location near popular attractions makes it an attractive choice for event organizers.
As construction on the venue resumes, many locals are already eager to see how this project will further integrate into the community fabric, enhancing the vibrancy of Doncaster.
The expected revitalization of the area surrounding South Yorkshire Airport City is likely to amplify footfall to the wildlife park as well, consequently enriching the local economy. The combined allure of the wildlife park and the new facility could drive an upwards trend in tourist numbers and business opportunities.
Overall, the collaboration involving Savills and the Wild Group signifies a forward-thinking approach to elevating the Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s profile and function. This initiative not only meets the current demands of event space but also emphasizes sustainability and growth in the sector.
