By the Operations Manager, The Crown Estate (Nick Day).

The Operations Manager – The Crowne Estate, Nick Day, welcomed everyone to the venue and informed the Forum that he arrived approximately nine / nine and a half years ago and wanted to develop this building and the tourist offering in the Great Park.  

It was noted that nine and a half years ago visitors to the Great Park had not always been seen as an asset and were at best tolerated.  Something that the Operations Manager had been working on over the past eighteen months to two years was to  extend the welcome to the visitor. 

When counted it was noted that 5.5 – 6 million visitors visited the 4,800 acres of Windsor Great Park every year rather than the 2.5 million that had been predicted.  It was noted that the Crowne Estate had a responsibility to look after the 4,800 acres whilst ensuring visitors enjoyed the ‘green loveliness’.   

In the last financial year it was noted the Crowne Estate in Windsor had recorded a small profit for the first time ever.  It was noted that the Crowne Estate was the only company in the country that paid 100% tax.  The Operations Manager explained that the real priority was to protect and preserve the Windsor Great Park. 

With regard to the vision of the business it was noted that 40,000 visitors bought a ticket with a further 60,000 visiting The Savill Garden via memberships which left 5.4 million people visiting the Park without paying.  It was noted that the Operations Manager needed to find ways of generating income from the 5.4 million visitors without  compromising the integrity of the Park.  It was noted that the biggest single source of income from the estate was from property rental followed by car parking.    

It was noted that there were just under 12,500 members at The Savill Garden compared to 1,800 in 2007.  The Operations Manager explained that they were looking to involve the local community more in what they did in the future.  It was noted that some market research had taken place in Virginia Water a few years ago which had resulted in a new burger van being installed, along with a visitors centre, nice toilets and an ice-cream unit which totalled a turnover of £7,500 per annum.  It was noted that the Operations Manager ensured a certain degree of facility was in the right place but that it did not destroy the surroundings.

It was noted that The Savill Garden was open free of charge over the winter months in December, January and February in order to encourage visitors.  The Operations Manager explained that on a busy day there were approximately 1,500 visitors at The Savill Garden which could be increased to 2,000 – 3,000.  It was noted that The Savill Garden needed to appeal to the younger and elderly market and that the gardens needed to be more fun.  Members were informed that the gardens currently had a sculpture in it as part of the art garden season and that themes had been created this year. 

The Operations Manager explained that a lot of film crews visited The Savill Garden on a fairly regular basis which generated income for the estate and local companies. 

It was noted that new caterers had been introduced to The Savill Garden after 18 years and that the caterers were called Benugo.  Members were informed that catering would close down on the 7 January 2017 and open again at the end of March.

Members were shown a short video of the Great Park.

In the ensuing discussion the following points were noted:

Ø  That the Windsor Free Festival would not be returning.

Ø  That the new keeper of the gardens at The Savill Garden had links with Kew Gardens. 

Ø  That the coffee vehicle that had been located at the top of the Great Park would soon be relocated in the Great Park.

The Chairman thanked the Operations Manager for addressing the Forum and for his hospitality.