Visitor Attractions, Visitor Centres and Visitor Experiences

 

Aquarium study
We were commissioned by an overseas client to assess the potential of introducing a new adventure style aquarium in to the UK market
place.

Attenborough Nature Centre
As part of this study we have assessed the feasibility of introducing a free admissions visitor centre at a nature reserve in Nottingham for the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Our work included carrying out an analysis of the demographic profile of Nottingham and an assessment of the tourism and visitor attraction sectors to identify the potential target markets. Importantly because of its city location, we identified potential opportunities which were linked to the conference sector. In addition we bench-marked a number of similar visitor centres and also developed a five-year trading profile for the centre.

Brockholes, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside
We worked with the Trust's project team to prepare a business plan, which has been used to successfully gain funding, for Brockholes a new 'flagship' wildlife visitor experience. This involved carrying out a market review in terms of the visitor attraction and tourism sectors, a demographic analysis, preparing a penetration analysis, producing a detailed financial model and carrying out a risk analysis. Previously we had carried a feasibility study for the Trust. The project has received £8 million in funding.

Conkers Day Visitor Attraction
We carried out the market assessment, financial modelling, business planning, planning application and marketing & promotional strategy for Conkers, a £16 million interactive day visitor attraction in the Heart of the National Forest. Conkers attracts 220,000 visitors per annum. Conkers is the focal point for tourism, leisure and recreational visits in the National Forest and has raised the profile of the National Forest making it a prime destination for tourism (specialist activity, day visitors, short break & long stay markets) in the East Midlands.

Craft Centre Study – Creating the Visitor Experience
Carried out research into the craft centre sector (including site visits) in the UK. Our work identified critical elements which lead to the introduction and operation of a financially sustainable craft centre.

Forestry Commission, Bedgebury, Kent
We carried out a feasibility study, market assessment and business planning strategy for the outdoor activity centre at Bedgebury Pinetum. Our work was used to help support a successful Lottery application. Bedgebury Pinetum is a leading outdoor activity destination in the south east.

Forestry Commission - Tree Top Walk
We examined the potential to introduce a new concept visitor attraction, a tree top walk, in the UK. The study included site assessments, a bench-marking exercise, market assessment of the day visitor attraction and tourism markets in the UK, extensive consultation, financial modelling and preparing a development strategy.

Great Central Railway, Loughborough
We were commissioned to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Great Central, a leading steam railway visitor attraction in the Midlands. Our project reviewed the tourism and visitor attraction sectors to identify the key trends; bench- marked a number of steam railways in the UK to pinpoint future opportunities and examples of best practice; carried out a business review and developed potential opportunities for the attraction.

National Nature Reserves, Natural England
Working for Natural England we carried out an initial review of three National Nature Reserves located in the South West, Yorkshire and North East to identify opportunities for new visitor facilities and services. Our work included carrying out a market assessment, examining case examples, setting out the product mix, carrying out a penetration rate analysis and preparing a financial model for the Reserves.

The Littlehampton Experience, Arun District Council
We evaluated the visitor attraction potential and the catering requirements of a new centre on Littlehampton waterfront (The Littlehampton Experience). This included examining the market projections, development considerations, market testing, income streams and operating options.

Wigan Flashes, Wigan
Working with Wigan Borough Council and Partners, Planning Solutions Consulting were commissioned to carry out a feasibility study for a visitor centre at Wigan Flashes. The Flashes are one of the most important urban wetland sites in England in terms of biodiversity. Objectives included increasing access to the Flashes and introducing a gateway facility to the Greenheart Regional Park. Our work focused on carrying out a market assessment, consultation exercise, outline options' assessment and indicative visitor and financial modeling.