Science discovery centre and wider learning consultancy projects

Planning Solutions Consulting specialises in working on science discovery centre consultancy projects alongside visitor experience projects (from museums through to heritage properties, country parks, visitor centres and nature reserves) and wider visitor economy projects (including tourist accommodation and destination development).

A significant amount of our current work is focused on collaborative working with clients to help them create practical, strategic development plans, leading to more resilient, healthier organisations. We are experienced with carrying out detailed market reviews, preparing income generation plans and financial analysis – forecasting visitor numbers, identifying spend levels and cost centres to test the financial viability of development proposals. We also produce detailed business plans to support capital funding projects. Our work provides the foundation for sites to attract more users to thrive financially, and fulfil their wider vision and mission.

Some of the science discovery centre and wider learning projects we have worked on include:

– Wonderseekers: Carried out a market assessment of the Winchester Science Centre and & Planetarium

– Cambridge Science Centre: Carried out a market analysis to support the ongoing transformation of the Cambridge Science Centre

– International Earth Resources Centre: Carried out a market assessment and forecast potential visitor numbers for the proposed Earth Project in North Wales

– Eden Project International: Worked with the senior management team to help prepare the business plan for the Eden Project North

– Hartlepool Borough Council: Commissioned to assess the feasibility of developing a STEM centre in Seaton Carew

– HSD: Commissioned to advice on the operational management of the New National Cultural District in Kuwait which includes the Science Museum and Space Museums

– Butser Education CIC: Carried out a feasibility study with landscape architects to identify future development opportunities for this experimental archaeology site

Find out more about these projects here.

Operational experience
Through our sister company, Planning Solutions Limited we have 29 years of direct operational experience of managing and developing visitor destination sites. PSL has invested in and manages three visitor experiences alongside a hotel and brewery:

– CONKERS – 120-acre discovery centre and woodland experience in Leicestershire
– Kent Life – a heritage farm park in Maidstone
– Cotswold Country Park and Beach – an activity-based attraction
– The National Brewery Centre – a heritage attraction in Burton (re-opened in 2010 and managed to October 31st 2022)

We understand the challenges faced by operators of discovery centres, heritage sites, museums, parks and other visitor experiences and how to develop projects which are commercially viable, meet the needs of the visitor and community and respond to other needs such as education, learning, volunteering and contributing towards placemaking and the local economy.

How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out a feasibility or preparing a business resilience or development plan for a science centre centre or other visitor experience project please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk