Airport parking plan could save equestrian centre, says owner

The owner of Clevedon’s Olympic standard equestrian centre is considering offering airport car parking to save the complex.

Nick Davies, pictured, bought the Hand Equestrian Centre at Davis Lane from businessman Barry Bradshaw in 2007 and has since spent around £2.6 million upgrading and refurbishing the complex.

But despite the centre – which is an approved Olympic stadium – being used by organisations including the British Show Jumping Association and other groups for shows and events, Mr Davies says he is subsidising its running costs by an average of £12,000 to £15,000 a month.

He is now investigating turning an unused lorry park on the 15 acre site into airport car parking in a bid to diversify his business.

The scheme involves creating up to 500 spaces – including 32 for disabled people – on the lorry park as well as reception facilities, a waiting area and a toilet block.