Casely-Hayford relishes legendary role

Partner Margaret Casely-Hayford at Denton Hall is leading the team advising Bristol developer Legend Court on a #500m technological theme park planned for Magor, near Newport, South Wales.

The theme park will be the second largest in Europe, behind Euro Disney, and the largest in the UK.

The theme park is to be based on legends and time, from King Arthur through to the UK's first space camp. It is being built with the approval of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has similar centres in the US and Tokyo.

Casely-Hayford, a partner in planning and public law, said: "A conservative estimate of the jobs it will bring to Wales is 6,000, which is pretty important given the economic climate.

"The clients are very optimistic. The application for planning permission on the 1,200 acre park has been submitted, and the clients are looking at 2003 as a date to work towards. Meanwhile, there will be a consultative process to minimise any points of conflict, so local people will feel the scheme is their scheme. The clients have been mindful of central government's concerns on traffic, because 19 million holidaymakers pass the site every year. There is also a plan to build a railway station, with concessions for those who travel by public transport. Even though it is a large-scale project, it is intended to be environmentally responsible."

The group has also advised on the redevelopment of Battersea power station into a leisure and entertainment complex.