Behind the Scenes of a Major Leisure Resort Landscaping Project

When people visit a leisure resort, they see the finished result. Clean pathways, smart planting, safe outdoor spaces, and areas designed to be enjoyed. What they do not often see is the months of planning, coordination, and hard work that go on behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Large-scale landscaping projects are complex, especially in live public environments. Here is a look at what really goes into delivering a major leisure resort landscaping project, from early planning through to final handover.

Every major project begins with detailed planning. At this stage, our team works closely with developers, site managers, designers, and other contractors on site.

This ensures everyone understands the programme, site constraints, safety requirements, and the final vision. On leisure sites especially, the landscaping must not only look good. It must also be durable, safe, and easy to maintain long term.

This is where early involvement from an experienced contractor makes a real difference. You can learn more about the commercial landscaping and external works services we provide on our commercial landscaping services page.

For projects like the Center Parcs development at Woburn Forest, this level of planning is critical because of the scale of the site and the number of people that will use the outdoor spaces every day.

One of the biggest challenges with leisure resort projects is that they are often live environments or nearing public opening. This means high footfall, tight deadlines, strict health and safety controls, and constant coordination with other trades.

Our teams have to be organised, flexible, and highly safety-conscious. Access routes, deliveries, and machinery movements all have to be carefully managed to avoid disruption. These challenges are common across the different sectors we operate in, from leisure and hospitality to public sector environments.

Before any planting or finishing work can begin, solid groundwork is essential. This stage includes excavation and levelling, drainage installation, foundations for pathways, structures, and street furniture, and preparing sub-bases for surfaces.

Getting this stage right is what ensures the finished landscaping stands the test of time, especially in high-traffic leisure environments. This early phase of work plays a big role in the success of the completed schemes featured in our
commercial landscaping projects portfolio.

Once the foundations are complete, the transformation really begins. This is where the site starts to take shape visually. Typical works at this stage can include hard landscaping such as paths, kerbs, steps, and edging, planting schemes, turfing and soft landscaping, and installation of outdoor furniture and features.

On a project like Center Parcs, the landscaping had to sit naturally within the surroundings while also being robust enough to handle constant use by guests. Sustainability is also a key consideration on modern leisure developments, which is reflected in our wider approach to sustainable commercial landscaping.

As works near completion, the focus turns to detail. This includes final levels, clean finishes, consistent planting layouts, safe access routes, and proper drainage and runoff.

Every area is checked to ensure it meets both design expectations and practical performance standards. Leisure resorts rely heavily on first impressions, so the quality of the finish really matters.

Once the project is handed over, the work does not always stop there. Many large developments require defects periods, seasonal adjustments to planting, and ongoing grounds maintenance.

This ensures the landscaping continues to look good long after the project is signed off and the public starts using the space.

Major leisure resort landscaping is not just about appearance. It affects visitor experience, safety, accessibility, long-term maintenance costs, and environmental impact.

Projects like the Center Parcs Woburn Forest development show how important it is to get landscaping right, not just for opening day, but for years to come.

If you are planning a major commercial or leisure development and want to understand what is involved behind the scenes, getting the right contractor involved early makes all the difference. From groundworks through to final finish, it is the planning, teamwork, and attention to detail that define a successful outcome.

If you would like to discuss a future project, you can get in touch directly via our contact page.

With over 40 years of experience, Land Structure specialises in creating sustainable, functional landscapes for commercial, industrial, and public-sector clients.

Our team brings technical skill and design vision to every project, ensuring every landscape delivers lasting value.

Contact us today to discuss your next development.