Arthog Outdoor Education Centre, Snowdonia: Development and operational review
Client: Telford & Wrekin Council
PSC carried out a comprehensive review of the Arthog Outdoor Education Centre in Wales to assess its current operation, market positioning and potential for future growth.
Arthog is an outdoor education residential activity centre owned and operated by Telford and Wrekin Council. It recently celebrated its 60 birthday. The centre is well regarded and has a market in the main from schools within Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. It can accommodate an optimum of 90 children at any one time.
The centre has established an excellent reputation as a leading provider of adventure activities, capitalising on the diversity and quality of activity venues in this extraordinary corner of North Wales located within its own private grounds in a stunning location overlooking Barmouth Bay and the Mawddach estuary.
Given the drive and commitment from the Council to maintain the facility well into the future against a backdrop of the condition of the asset and the current budget position we carried out a review of the current base position and set out a proposed forward plan to prioritise future investment and income generating opportunities.
We completed a detailed site review, extensive consultation, primary survey research and options analysis with firm recommendations for the short, medium and long term development plans. The recommended plans covered the built facilities and equipment, operation, marketing and programmed activities as well as supporting infrastructure.
As part of the comprehensive review we evaluated the building layout, property condition (and the need for infrastructure investment) and current charging policy. We also assessed the staffing structure and operational and budget information.
Our work encompassed market analysis, benchmarking against competitors, assessment of the current offer, pricing and future opportunities.
We also identified and reviewed potential opportunities for developing extended offers, exploring new markets and developing secondary spend areas. The culmination of our work was a detailed action plan broken down into core themed operational areas. To find out more about Arthog please visit their website.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out a review for an outdoor education activity centre don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk