The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has begun the search for a developer to lead the redevelopment of a 126 acre leisure complex in Edmonton, London.

The body wants a leisure developer to propose an “innovative” masterplan for the  redevelopment of the Lee Valley Leisure Centre site. It is currently the site of an athletics track, a golf course, camping and caravan park, an indoor bowls club, and an Odeon cinema.

It published a tender notice in the Official Journal of the European Union last week and wants to appoint a developer to turn the leisure site into a “regional leisure destination” by mid-2011.

The authority owns a 26-mile strip of land stretching north from London, including the leisure site. The winning development partner will be contracted to create and implement a masterplan for the whole site and forced to integrate the athletics centre on the site.

The leisure complex is in the London Borough of Enfield, and the local authority has agreed to the site’s development as part of its core strategy, which is being implemented next month.

Its ultimate use could be sports, leisure, or even as a theme park. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is also responsible for managing four venues during London Olympics in 2012, including the Hockey and White Water Centre.

Drivers Jones Deloitte is advising the authority. Alex McKinlay, director at the firm, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to establish an outstanding leisure development in a top London location.  The developer will be able to consolidate on the existing Olympic Athletics Centre and cinema with a further 100 acres to deliver a bespoke scheme of national significance”

Stephen Wilkinson, head of regeneration and planning at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “The authority is seeking innovative ideas and proposals which will see the complex developed as a primary visitor destination with an enhanced recreation offer. The complex is already home to a world-class Athletics Centre, this is an exemplar facility that reflects the Authority’s ambition to deliver a world class leisure destination.”

• Manchester launches design competition for 20-acre regen
• One North East to buy Vaux Brewery site from Tesco
• Royal Mail looks to redevelop West End site
• Developers shortlisted for 365 acre MoD Aldershot scheme
• Q&A: I want to attract a developer to help me regenerate (step 1)