Help needed setting up a new site in North/ West Yorkshire

[Dye guy]

Hey guys,

Right so this is my first post... so first of all, a big hello to everyone!!

I'll cut right to the chase... Myself and a friend are looking into setting up a paintball centre in the Leeds/ Bradford area of Yorkshire. The intention, is to offer woodsball scenario games and also have a sup'air field for airball games.
We have a family owned plot of land in mind, but are currently looking at other options also. Long story short, there's only 2 of us, so it's taking time. Obviously we're working to a tight budget, so any help we could get would be much appreciated.

I'm looking for enthusiastic people (the more paintball experience the better), who'd be willing to help us with the project, basically get in from the start. There will be a couple of jobs available, once the centre has opened ... but at the moment we need help mainly with setup etc. You will be rewarded for your efforts!!!

If you're interested, or would like any more info, just get in touch!

Dye guy

 

[Dye guy]

Oh yeah, are there any particular products you'd like to see used? Any recommendations/ warnings anyone can give me?

I.e would it be worth getting a selection of higher quality rental equipment and offer a choice between standard quality and high quality? Same question with paintballs also? Any recommendations on cheaper paint that's of a good quality?

 

[chuckwood]

1st: Check with your council regarding zoning and building approvals.
2nd: What is your budget?
3rd: What is your business plan?
4th: Have you visited other sites yet in your area?

 

[Sid Sidgwick]

Ideally you want to speak to a site owner, maybe even a local one and look at their site and think about what you want to see on yours.

Once the council Have agreed the land usage you can start thinking about what you want. Visit as many sites as you can to get ideas about game zones and scenarios as not all ideas work in real life, this will also give you an idea of what building materials you will need and quantities. This research will also look at what equipment other sites use, eg guns, masks, paint etc ad well as giving you a rough guide on pricing.

You will insurance, I'm sure someone on here can point you in the right direction For that.

 

[Dye guy]

Q&a

1st: Check with your council regarding zoning and building approvals.
2nd: What is your budget?
3rd: What is your business plan?
4th: Have you visited other sites yet in your area?

Ok... to answer your questions:

1) We can build on private land, as long as the structures are not permanent- e.g log cabins, wooden fences etc all seem to be allowed. In terms of zoning, they've used part of the site for clay pigeon shooting in the past... so I can't see a problem there.

2) Not enough!!!! (Ask a stupid question.... lol)

3) Again, no offence... but why would I post it on a public forum?? Especially when certain aspects are still up in the air. I will say however, I intend to offer tournament standard airball in a safe, controlled environment- something that is definitely lacking up north!!

4) Yup, I've visited the only other site within 20 miles and really wasn't impressed!!! Would you fancy diving into a trench full of clay pigeon discs and shotgun shells- some of which were still live?!!!
Obviously I've been to other centres e.g Yorkshire Paintball Centre (which is awesome for woodsball by the way!- if not a little cheesey with the predator!!) They don't do airball though. I'm looking at the Millenium fields, and have found a decent supplier, but again nothing is set in stone yet.

 

[chuckwood]

The questions I posted were not to be answered with monetary amounts or secret business details! Just trying to assist as requested.
Just to get you thinking about what the heck is involved, there are quite a few guys on here that currently run fields like Yorkie. On UK Scenario there is a group of owners too and it may be worth saying hello.

Other thoughts [no need for answers]

How far would people have to travel to get to the field?

Demographics of the area-is there enough people with disposable income to come?

How many fields can I fit on my land?

Sup Air field-will it bring in the money I want or will woodsball be easier? Costwise and timewise?

There is the field owners Manual as well, well worth a purchase.

 

[Bostaf]

1) We can build on private land, as long as the structures are not permanent- e.g log cabins, wooden fences etc all seem to be allowed. In terms of zoning, they've used part of the site for clay pigeon shooting in the past... so I can't see a problem there.

I'm not fully up to date between the differences between Scottish and English planning, but after various lengthy discussions (to put it nicely) with my local council about my site, log cabins and fences (height dependant) generally require planning. most local council will also require a change of use through the planning system if you are using the site more than 28 days in the year. I would strongly advise speaking to your local council planning department to get their views before you commit any money.

If you want to have a chat I am more than willing to go through some of the pitfalls I ran into setting up my site. Just pm me.

 

[dextrus]

I would be intrested with this because bradford or leeds is about a hour from me and proberbly others

 

[Biscuit]

best advice speak to bully at the ukpsf
he owns his own sites plus he is the god father of pb

 

[Dye guy]

best advice speak to bully at the ukpsf
he owns his own sites plus he is the god father of pb

If you mean Steve Bull... he's already been in touch, and what a nice chap he is!!
He's sending me an info pack in the post.