Business opportunity: Gisburn Forest

Forest Enterprise England is inviting expressions of interest for exciting business opportunities within Gisburn Forest in Lancashire.

Gisburn Forest is evolving into a significant outdoor recreation destination for north-west England and is a leading player in the growth of off-road cycling in the region. Further potential exists to encourage new and sustained participation in the sport. Through the evolution of Gisburn Forest Hub there is now good car parking provision, a strong focal point with space for events, and café facilities for visitors. The new visitor hub has created a higher quality visitor experience, whilst generating new income to support the management of the forest environment and recreation facilities.

Visiting walkers and cyclists are attracted by easy access to well-formed trails set within a wild landscape of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Centred on a cluster of Grade 2-listed buildings comprising a former farmhouse and outbuildings, we have ambitious plans to grow the tourism market in Gisburn Forest and we are looking to work with dynamic and enthusiastic people to run businesses at the Gisburn Hub, which will include catering, bike hire/retail.

Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/tenders to find out more and to register your interest.

The closing date for expressions of interest is noon on 5 June 2017.