Opportunity
Located on Portaferry's Shorefront, 'Barholm' is a visitor accommodation facility with 45 permanent bed spaces, fully equipped industrial kitchen, dining conservatory, conference room, lounge area, central courtyard and additional storage in outbuildings.
Its owner, Portaferry Regeneration Ltd (PRL), is actively engaged in an on-going programme of economic regeneration in the town. Having developed Barholm and enjoyed an increase in profitability in recent years, the group now wishes to invite interest from those capable of taking Barholm to the next level.
PRL would consider leasing or selling Barholm on the following terms:
- Barholm must continue to attract and facilitate visitors to Portaferry
- The new operator will have a suitable track record (in this or complimentary activity) and be committed to the growth of the Barholm operation thus benefiting Portaferry and the wider area
- Pro-active marketing strategy
- Increased on-site presence
- Increased catering provision
- Quality dining environment for over 50 guests in unrivalled location (conservatory)
- Possibility for outdoor dining on private terrace overlooking Strangford Lough
- Well positioned opposite ferry slipway to attract passing trade
- High quality local produce, including seafood
Opportunities for growth
Accommodation
Barholm enjoys approx 28% room occupancy p.a. with a high level of repeat visits. This is equivalent to approx 4,000 guest-nights. Approx half of accommodation sales are to group users e.g. study groups, community groups, church groups, divers and other outdoor enthusiasts (walkers, cyclists, kayakers etc). Advanced bookings for the 2010 season already total approx £13.6K.
There is an opportunity to achieve increased occupancy by:
Catering
Catering at Barholm is currently only offered to resident groups of over 16 people, and must be booked in advance. Resident groups currently spend approx £8-9K on catering however some guests choose to self-cater, or eat elsewhere in Portaferry. Advanced catering bookings for the 2010 season are worth approx £4,860.
Increased catering to residents and non-residents could be significant:
Further information
Subject to the preferences and skills of a new operator, Barholm could be repositioned as a B&B, Guest House, 'Restaurant with rooms', Activity Centre, Cookery School, Conference Centre etc.
The preferred outcome is a sale of Barholm however PRL would consider leasing the premises for up to 3 years to facilitate a sale.
The annual lease fee will be in the region of £15,000 + VAT.
For further details, please contact Will Brown on 028 42729598 or will@portaferryregeneration.com
Also visit:
www.barholmportaferry.co.uk
