Global property adviser Knight Frank has set up a new service line focused on specialist leisure, as it looks to tap into ‘this rapidly growing part of the alternatives market’.
The new offer will be headed by John Rushby, who joins from Colliers International where he was head of specialist leisure working across the valuations and advisory space.
With over 25 years’ experience in commercial leisure, Rushby has advised on high-profile assets including valuing the Wimbledon All England Club, Emirates Old Trafford and leading marinas, theme parks and golf courses globally.
The new specialist leisure team will form part of Knight Frank’s specialist property offering. It will provide business, portfolio and operating asset valuations, deal origination, feasibility advice, business turnaround and security reviews in addition to operational and operator selection services and consulting and brokerage.
Shaun Roy, head of specialist property investment at Knight Frank, said: ‘We're seeing more and more clients need expertise in the leisure arena as our lives see increasingly blurred lines between work and lifestyle and leisure becomes at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
‘We see this as a real growth area for the business as the leisure sector becomes increasingly sophisticated and the consumer continues to spend more and more on leisure whilst leisure assets become much more investible as long-term income producing assets.’
Commenting on his appointment, Rushby said: ‘As an emerging asset class, the specialist leisure market is increasingly growing as astute investors look to diversify their portfolios. Having worked in this field for a number of years I’m pleased to see the demand grow and this is an ideal time for Knight Frank to launch a dedicated team.’
