News / Leigh Court
Businessman claims ‘strong backing’ to turn historic mansion into private members club
Bristol-based businessman Johnny Palmer has cited “strong backing” for his plans to purchase Leigh Court, the Grade II* listed mansion near Abbots Leigh, in order to turn it into a private members’ club.
Among those who have expressed support for Palmer’s proposals include a former mayor, a business founder and the owner of a popular restaurant and spa.
Palmer, a serial entrepreneur who owned the event company PYTCH before selling it in 2024, has already made an offer for the property with plans to turn the grounds of the period property into Bristol’s largest private members’ club.
Business West, which owns Leigh Court, declined to comment specifically on Palmer’s offer but said that all formal bids for the site must be given “due consideration”.
Impression of Picaroon by the local artist Cathy Shay – photo: Johnny Palmer
Under the proposals, the prospective club – Picaroon, aims to “preserve Leigh Court as a public and community asset” rather than see it converted into residential use, Palmer said.
The businessman added that more than 1,000 people have now signed up to support his vision for the site.
He stated that “if the estate is sold to a commercial developer, it could be turned into flats or subject to further building within its grounds”.
“This would be a massive loss for the city,” Palmer said. “Leigh Court should continue to serve Bristol’s people — as a space that inspires wellbeing, creativity and connection with nature.”
Computer-generated image of a “Picaroon Ball” – photo: Johnny Palmer
Palmer’s proposal sets out the creation of a wellbeing and community hub, incorporating co-working and event spaces, gardens and leisure facilities.
The British-Australian businessman said the plan seeks to retain the site’s heritage features while introducing contemporary uses.
Renderings and images of the site, along with an oil painting by local artist Cathy Shay, have been made public to illustrate how the project could look and feel.
Bristol-based businessman Johnny Palmer has cited “strong backing” for his plans to purchase Leigh Court – photo: Milan Perera
Palmer already owns part of the estate, The Stables, which houses several businesses, including Sivo Wellness and Fever Pitch.
Arne Ringner, owner of Lido in Clifton, described Palmer’s plan as “ambitious, brave and great fun”.
“Johnny Palmer’s ideas for Leigh Court are ambitious, brave and great fun — just the kind of facility the city will benefit from,” said Ringner.
“Picaroon will be a brilliant part of many people’s working week — and part of how they relax, connect and recharge after work,” added Tom Ball, founder of the award-winning hotdesking firm Desklodge.
Former Bristol mayor George Ferguson, known for leading the transformation of the Tobacco Factory, described the concept as “a brave and imaginative project that ensures a living future for a great classical house and grounds”.
Leigh Court is the home of Business West – photo: Johnny Palmer
“Johnny Palmer’s vision for the future of Leigh Court is a real gift for the city region and our mental and physical fitness,” said Ferguson.
“It is a brave and imaginative project that ensures a living future for a great classical house and grounds, deserving the enthusiastic support of our local public and private sectors.”
Designed by architect Thomas Hopper and completed in 1814, Leigh Court is one of the Bristol’s most notable period properties.
The neoclassical mansion has served various roles over two centuries and in recent years has been used by Business West as a base for offices and events.
“Picaroon will be a brilliant part of many people’s working week — and part of how they relax, connect and recharge after work,” said Tom Ball, founder of Desklodge – photo: Desklodge
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Phil Smith, managing director at Business West, said: “We are focused on driving long-term prosperity for businesses and our region.
“We must ensure therefore that all formal offers on Leigh Court are given due consideration, so that we can secure the best overall value and future outcomes for our organisation, our members, the wider business community and region.
“We are aware of the interest from Johnny Palmer, but it is not appropriate to comment on individual proposals at this stage. We have received multiple credible offers and are currently in a confidential sales process.”
Proposed plans for Picaroon on the grounds of Leigh Court – photo: Johnny Palmer
Main image: Milan Perera
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