Case study 5 - Concept study

Client: a UK-registered development company

Background: this unique location is situated at an altitude of 1500 metres, one hour from Geneva and set in a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty. The destination offers ski-in/ ski-out access to the largest skiing area in the world, the Portes du Soleil.

Consultant/s: Katrina Craig

Project dates: August 2003 - March 2004; retained on advisory board from August 2004 to present.

Project objective: the project was to be managed in two phases.

• Phase one: build a chalet village destination and luxury hotel residence consisting of four chalet buildings with leisure facilities
• Phase two: develop detached luxury chalets surrounding the village

Project scope

• Preparation of project study which includes concept, projected financials and scheme for investors
• Preparation of operations concept, detailing rooms, food and beverage, and housekeeping style
• Assembly of design team
• Preparation of design guidelines
• Vetting of management companies
• Sales and marketing assistance
• Procurement advice

Methodology

• Almost 30 potential hotel and chalet operators were interviewed to identify the top three potential operators, who were then introduced to the client
• All existing architectural plans were reviewed and commented on; the appointment of a design practice with experience in hotel design was recommended
• In preparing the design guidelines for the project team, some of the leading chalet hotels in the French Alps were visited and consultations were conducted with the leading ski travel agents and chalet operators to establish the benchmark for a premium, user-friendly and easy-to-operate ski resort
• The construction costs estimated by the cost consultant were reviewed and suggestions were put forward to reduce development cost

Results

• The client now has the opportunity to build a chalet village that will have both enduring aesthetic appeal and higher financial returns than originally envisioned
• Following a two-year review period, the planning consent and permit to construct in an area of outstanding national beauty was granted and the project will begin construction in the summer of 2006
• Completion is scheduled for winter 2007

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