vistourism1976, Author at Welcome to PSC - Tourism Consultants

Caerlaverock Castle – Support Strategy

by vistourism1976 | Apr 26, 2016 | Castles and forts

Client: Historic Environment Scotland

Caerlaverock Castle lies 11km south of Dumfries and is located where the estuary of the River Nith enters the Solway Firth. The New Castle and Old Castle site are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Properties in Care and the castle is a Category A listed building. Planning Solutions Consulting was commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland to prepare a Support Strategy for Caerlaverock Castle with a focus on improving the visitor experience, identifying opportunities to work with adjoining landowners (including The Caerlaverock Estate, Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s visitor site and Nature Scot) and the local community.

Our work included a detailed review of the operation of Caerlaverock Castle, alongside plans prepared by other consultancy teams, an analysis of the marketplace and the strategic context alongside a review of appropriate case examples. A critical element of the work was an extensive programme of engagement with approximately 40 stakeholders including local community organisations to enhance links with the community. This helped to ensure joint working opportunities were identified and that the Support Strategy responded to local needs.

This led to the production of a Technical Background Report and a Support Strategy for Caerlaverock Castle. This included identifying potential funding sources and setting out a delivery mechanism.

How can we help?
If have any questions about preparing a support strategy or exploring future options for a castle or other heritage site please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk

Canal consultancy projects

by vistourism1976 | Mar 16, 2016 | Projects

How can we help?

Whilst a number of canals attract high levels of footfall, they face a number of significant financial challenges. The conservation and restoration of the historic fabric of canals and associated buildings and towpaths is never ending, the cost of seemingly small repair jobs can quickly escalate.

It is recognised that canals and other recreation services managed by Trusts and Councils are facing challenges in terms of working with less resources and cuts to their core funding programmes. There is now a driver to focus on commercial activities to generate income. A significant amount of our work is focussed on working with clients, helping them to identify and assess opportunities to generate additional income through trading activities. However, it is important to recognise that generating trading or earned income is not without its own challenges. It takes investment, specific resource requirements (often including recruiting new staff with specialist capabilities) and it can also take time to build capacity.

Developing a vision and action plan for the Basingstoke Canal

We have worked for Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council on a project on the Basingstoke Canal. Constructed between 1788 and 1794, The Basingstoke Canal runs for 32 miles through Hampshire to Surrey where it joins the Wey Navigation and beyond to the River Thames. It has a continuous tow path and has some 29 locks. Through a market review, site appraisals and in-depth consultation we developed a future Vision and Action Delivery Plan for the Canal.

As part of our work we also carried out a module of research among a wide range of users of the Basingstoke Canal, including hard to reach groups such as teenagers and we also contacted local businesses and landowners. The action plans focussed on a range of themed areas including product development, volunteering, marketing and governance. The work included looking at opportunities for the visitor centre and also the adjacent camping and touring field. Our work also set out a cost schedule and implementation timetable.

As a team we have also worked on a number of consultancy projects associated with canals and other waterbodies:

Carried out a feasibility for a flagship visitor centre and boating hub for the Broads Authority to support the development of tourism and boating

Carried out a feasibility study for a visitor facility for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust adjacent to the Llangollen Canal

Worked for Portsmouth Water advising on the leisure and recreational opportunities related to the proposed development of a Winter Storage Reservoir

Assessed opportunities to enhance the offer at Pooley, a community park which incorporates the Coventry Canal

Worked with Buckinghamshire County Council advising on developing income generating opportunities at Denham Country Park which the Grand Union Canal flows through

Developed the business plan for the Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre which has an adjacent canal basin (the attraction is managed by our sister company and as a second phase has been extended and developed as CONKERS)

Developed a long-term vision for North Soar, a rural corridor to the south of Nottingham, based upon walking, cycling, horse riding and water-based recreation. The wider project also included the Grand Union Canal and Trent Navigation and the introduction of a marina.

Worked at Wigan Flashes, an important environmental, recreational and education wetland resource in near Wigan, which includes the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Worked with Kent County Council exploring uses for a countryside recreation site which included improving access to the River Stour.

Prepared an options review for a boatyard on The River Thames near Oxford.

Worked for FWAG to identify opportunities to enhance the recreation and educational experiences along the River Lambourne as part of an Audience Development Plan.

Tourism Partnership Mid Wales – stakeholder engagement, community consultation and survey research to inform the development of the tourism element of the spatial plan for Central Wales. The study area included the Llangollen Canal, the Montgomery Canal and Shropshire and Union Canal

Prepared a development strategy for the Waveney Valley which, incorporates the River Waveney. The Waveney Valley, including environmental enhancement schemes. The study analysed two major sites in particular, producing outline schemes for grant application and planning purposes

Find out about some of the canal and river consultancy projects we have worked on.

Walled garden feasibility studies – projects and experience

by vistourism1976 | Mar 16, 2016 | landing, Projects

Heritage commercial development strategy

Walled and other garden feasibility studies

Restoring or developing new walled or other garden projects to visitors are challenging projects – both during the restoration and operational phases. We are used to working with landscape architects and conservation architects and other specialists. Successful restoration projects (and new build projects) can help to leave a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy. They help to bring a wide range of benefits from learning through to the health and wellbeing of the local community, helping with destination development, creating jobs and wider environmental outcomes linked to the Climate and Biodiversity Emergencies.

The history of gardens are often inextricably interwoven with that of the wider estate or landscape in which they are located. We admire organisations which are making heritage and the natural environment more accessible to a wide range of audiences and have seen the benefits that this can bring to visitors from all walks of life. We are also inspired by heritage and community projects, particularly by sites which have a strong story to tell. We enjoy working with people who are passionate about bringing their ‘sites’ and collections to life for the public – often for the first time.

Experience

We have worked on a range of walled and other garden projects, which are often part of a wider masterplanning, feasibility study, business planning, income generation strategy or transformation project.

Example projects include:

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council: Kirkleatham Walled Garden, a Grade II-listed historic Walled Garden has been restored. It incorporates a café, events space and gardens along with providing training opportunities linked to the catering, hospitality and horticultural sectors. We reviewed the business plan which had been produced, carried out a review of delivery and governance options and carried out a soft market testing exercise. Find out more about the project here.

Hampshire County Council: As part of their £16 million country parks transformation programme we prepared visitor experience development plans and supporting financial cases for five country parks including Staunton, which includes a walled garden, farm and tropical hot house. Find out more about Staunton Country Park here.

Central Bedfordshire Council: At Houghton Hall Park, we prepared the business case to secure Lottery funding and the project included re-instating important heritage features such as the walled garden and kitchen garden and developing a visitor centre. Find out more about Houghton Hall Park here.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council: At Sewerby Hall and Gardens we carried out a study to identify and evaluate opportunities linked to enhacing the visitor experience including two gardens and wider parkland setting. Find out more about Sewerby Hall and Gardens here.

South London Botanical Institute: Working as sub-consultants we were commissioned to help to prepare a commercial strategy for the South London Botanical Institute.

Both Kirkleatham Walled Garden and Staunton include horticultural operations linked to providing training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Clients have said a few words about our work:
“Planning Solutions were commissioned to develop a Business Plan to assess viability and recommend an approach for a commercially viable Visitor Centre at Houghton Hall Park, Houghton Regis. The Business Plan formed part of a successful Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People application for the improvement of the park. Planning Solutions fulfilled their commission with enthusiasm and commitment and worked well with other consultants and staff involved in the project. They had considerable prior experience working with visitor attractions and used this experience and knowledge to create a comprehensive Business Plan.” Kim Owens, Senior Fundraising Officer Central Bedfordshire Council

Added value – direct operational experience

We are also able to draw on the experience of our sister company, Planning Solutions Limited, who have over 25 years operational experience of running a number of heritage and other tourism businesses including Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, CONKERS, the National Brewery Centre (formerly the Bass Museum) and Cotswold Country Park and Beach. PSL has also acquired the William Worthington Brewery, which has been launched as the Heritage Brewing Company. The focus is on reviving traditional ales and beers.

Kent Life incorporates the Kentish Gardens from the ornamental herb garden through to the apple orchard, two farmhouse gardens which produce a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables and a hop garden which is planted with Fuggle and Goldings Hops, both traditional Kentish varieties from the late 19th century.

This operational experience enables us to understand the challenges faced by operators in managing and shaping visitor experiences and how to develop projects that are commercially viable, meet the needs of the visitor marketplace and community and respond to other needs such as education, learning, volunteering and placemaking.

Contact

If you feel we can be of assistance or would like to talk through an idea or plan please don’t hesitate to contact Richard Linington (richard@pslplan.co.uk).

Forestry tourism consultants – projects and experience

by vistourism1976 | Mar 14, 2016 | landing, Projects

Working across forest estates

If you need assistance with a tourism, visitor experience or recreation project please don’t hesitate to call or email Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or richard@pslplan.co.uk

Visitor segmentation for visitor attractions

Working as forestry consultants, with a focus on recreation and tourism, Planning Solutions Consulting has been providing support and expertise to a range of clients across forestry sites to improve and develop the visitor experience and tourism economy by sharing our knowledge and expertise to inspire change and growth. We also work with a network of specialists from landscape architects through to masterplanners, ecologists and architects. Working in forests is complex there is a need to achieve a careful balance between forestry operations, the commercial needs associated with visitors, environmental sustainability and wider community considerations. Forest recreation also presents a number of opportunities related to health and wellbeing. However, it is important to recognise that these are working forests, where timber production is a critical element of forestry management. To findout more about some of the forest tourism and recreation projects we have worked on please click here.

Site and market assessments and business planning

We have been working with Forest Holidays for over 20 years. Our work has focussed on carrying out site evaluations through to market assessments and preparing supporting business plans. We have worked at a number of sites from Blackwood Forest through to Beddgelert, Delamere Forest, Thorpe Forest, Sherwood Forest and the Forest of Dean.

Visitor centre management in forests

Working with Natural Resources Wales, we carried out a review of options, opportunities and risks associated with managing and developing visitor centres.

Forest visitor accommodation to support mountain biking and walking tourism

Working with Natural Resources Wales, we carried out assessments of multiple forest blocks across Wales to evaluate their suitability to introduce visitor accommodation. This was to support the development of walking and mountain biking. For the preferred development site, we prepared a financial model and development options in terms of different forms of sustainable visitor accommodation.

Aerial walkway forecasting visitor numbers

At CONKERS, we worked closely with the operations team and carried out a module of research to help with forecasting visitor numbers for a proposed aerial walkway.

Transforming Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Working with Hampshire County Council, we prepared the visitor transformation masterplan for Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which covers some 600 hectares. We also prepared masterplans for four other country parks managed by the Council and our work supported an £18m transformation programme.

Bedgebury Pinetum business planning

Working with the project team at Bedgebury Pinetum on behalf of the Forestry Commission, we prepared the business case to support the transformation of the site into a leading forest recreation destination.

Tree Top Walk feasibility study

Working with the Forestry Commission we also examined the potential to introduce a new concept visitor attraction in the UK – a major tree top walk. The work helped to identify different development options which had the potential to act as a catalyst for long-term development within different forest blocks.

Business planning for luxury forest lodges linked to a camping site

On behalf of the Rempstone Estate, we carried out a feasibility study to develop luxury forest lodges alongside an existing camping businesses. The work supported a successful development project

Forest visitor attraction – a gateway to the National Forest

CONKERS a £19 million project, has been developed in 2 phases. It includes 3 cafes / restaurants, specialist retail, education centre, two lakes, woodland, all ability trails, interactive and hi-tech exhibits, narrow gauge railway, high ropes, covered amphitheatre, event programmes, corporate offer, adventure play area, indoor play areas, interpretation and interactive experiences and a major viewing platform. We worked with KMPG to prepare the business plan which helped to secure development funding.

What makes us different?

Our sister company Planning Solutions Limited manages a range of tourism and leisure businesses, including:

CONKERS Discovery Centre located in the National Forest
Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
The National Brewery Centre (formerly the Bass Museum)
Cotswold Country Park and Beach, outdoor recreation site with strong water based activity offer
Four high ropes aerial adventures
A hotel
Microbrewery

We have a unique understanding of how successful visitor experiences and tourism businesses work. We have found that this practical operational experience helps to create a significant positive impact when working on development projects and brings a strong commercial realism to projects to help ensure projects are financially sustainable.

Our clients have written several testimonials:

“Planning Solutions Consulting Limited were contracted by Natural Resources Wales to undertake a short exercise examining the potential, opportunities and risks around running visitor centres. We found Planning Solutions Consulting to be efficient and thorough, applying their expertise in a professional manner throughout. They were able to add value for us to the contract, by suggesting new elements. The draft and final reports were of an excellent standard and addressed all aspects of our brief well. Communications throughout – and since – the contract have been great – the team were approachable, reachable and able to answer queries and address new points well.” Roz Owen, Recreation and Access Manager, Natural Resources Wales

“PSC worked with the Forestry Commission to evaluate potential uses within one of our popular forest recreation sites in England. The objective was to set out the strategic development direction in terms of leisure and other uses which could be complementary to the existing recreation activities. The work involved a detailed market assessment, consulting with our onsite staff and producing a scoring matrix to identify the preferred end uses. We built a very positive working relationship with PSC. They had a very hands-on approach to the work and Kevin and Richard’s wealth of experience and operational knowledge was very beneficial. We would be very pleased to work with PSC in the future.” David Chalmers MRICS, Central England Forest District, Forestry Commission

Here are some other testimonials from clients.

How can we help?

If you have any questions about carrying out an options appraisal or preparing a visitor experience masterplan or supporting business case for a forest recreation site or forest estate please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk

Farm, land and estate diversification tourism consultants

by vistourism1976 | Mar 14, 2016 | Projects

Working as farm, land and estate diversification consultants Planning Solutions Consulting limited has worked with a number of landowners including (and land agents) on rural diversification projects. Our rural diversification work focuses on how tourism led initiatives can be used to secure the long term financial future for landowners. Rural estate and land diversification projects can range from high quality lodge accommodation through to catering projects, self catering cottages, camping and glamping, event venues, cycling and activity tourism. The work involves site appraisals, options analysis, market reviews and business planning which can be used to support funding applications.

Find out more about our rural diversification projects and other projects here.

Some of the clients we have worked with include:

Buckinghamshire County Council
Forest Holidays
Forestry Commission
Hampshire County Council
Oaksey Park
Private landowner (camping)
Private landowner (adventure and activity centre)
Rempstone Estate

How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our work on rural estates and tourism projects please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 023 9248 1999 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk

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