Leisure & hospitality developments in southern England: Economic opportunities and legal challenges

The leisure and hospitality sector is continuing to play a vital role in driving economic growth across the South of England. Developments such as sports centres, theme parks and stadiums have recently been proposed to boost footfall and revive towns. This growth will create opportunities not just within leisure and hospitality but across many professional services including legal, property, finance and construction. As the sector expands, legal support will remain essential to help developers and investors navigate complex challenges.

Current and upcoming leisure developments in the south

There are many new developments appearing in and around the local area, each contributing to job creation, tourism and local infrastructure. As these projects progress, professional support will be required at every stage.

Oxford United stadium: Boosting Oxfordshire’s economy through sport

Oxford United’s proposed new 16,000-seat stadium has recently been granted planning permission. The development is expected to include a 180-bedroom hotel and a conference and exhibition centre. While the application has been referred to the Secretary of State for final approval, some councillors have raised concerns regarding transport and potential environmental impacts. However, most responses focus on the positive economic benefits, with council leader Susan Brown stating that the new stadium will “offer a host of economic and social benefits for the area".

Southampton’s £36 Million sports centre redevelopment

Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre is currently undergoing a £36 million redevelopment, funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Plans include a two-storey community hub, a gym, athletics facilities and a dedicated family zone. Southampton City Council has emphasised that the project will create numerous jobs and provide lasting benefits for local communities, highlighting the role of quality sports and leisure infrastructure in driving economic growth and community wellbeing.

Puy du Fou’s Oxfordshire theme park: A £50 Billion economic boost

Puy du Fou has submitted a planning application to build its third theme park in Oxfordshire. The project is expected to generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit and attract 1.47 million visitors. The development is proposed to include three hotels and a conference centre and is projected to create 2,000 direct jobs and support 6,000 more in local businesses. While some residents have raised concerns about traffic, infrastructure, and water management, the developer has issued a 12-point myth buster addressing these issues.

Old Thorns Hotel & Resort: Expanding regional hospitality investment

Earlier this year, the Old Thorns Hotel & Resort in Liphook was acquired by the international Select Group, marking further investment in the sector. The 317-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, 150 hotel rooms, 51 executive apartments and a conference centre. The Select Group is collaborating with the existing team to ensure a smooth operational transition, while implementing a phased strategy to enhance services, optimise amenities and reinforce the resort’s position as a leading hospitality destination in the region.

Birdworld expansion: strengthening family tourism in Hampshire

Birdworld currently attracts around 100,000 visitors annually and has recently seen major investment under Haskins Group with the opening of a new multimillion pound play area and café this summer. This development marks a significant step in enhancing visitor experience and expanding appeal to families and tourists. With the improved facilities, Birdworld aims to increase annual visitor numbers to 165,000 and is forecasting a 70% boost in turnover.

Our legal services for the leisure and hospitality sector

The leisure and hospitality industry requires comprehensive legal support across a range of areas to ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance and long-term growth. Our teams can each offer sector-specific legal support tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the industry.

Property Law – Our property teams can provide expert legal advice on land and property acquisitions, lease negotiations and agreements and help you secure locations suitable for growth and long term investment.

Employment and Immigration support – These projects often require onboarding a significant number of employees and we can assist with drafting employment contracts, ensuring labour law compliance and managing employee relations. Due to the global nature of hospitality and sports tourism, it is also crucial to consider immigration law when hiring international talent lawfully and efficiently.

Corporate legal advice – Our corporate team can advise on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and investments. We can also assist with establishing shareholder relations and ensure ongoing compliance with corporate governance and regulatory requirements.

Commercial contacts - Our commercial lawyers can draft and negotiate contracts that underpin your operations, whether it be with suppliers, vendors or third-party providers. We also offer regulatory guidance to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws, helping you build and maintain a strong, trustworthy brand.

Data Protection and Intellectual Property- As digital engagement grows, compliance with data protection laws is critical. We can also help to protect your brand through intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights and patents.

Dispute Resolution – While undesirable, disputes may arise during or following a development, our team can help resolve disputes while minimising disruptions and financial losses.

To learn more about how we can support your project, contact our Commercial Property or Leisure & Hospitality legal teams today.