Science Discovery Centre Consultants
Planning Solutions Consulting specialises in working on science discovery centre consultancy projects alongside wider visitor experience projects (from museums through to heritage properties, country parks, visitor centres and nature reserves) and visitor economy projects (including tourist accommodation).
A significant amount of our current work focuses on collaborating 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.
What Is a Science Discovery Centre?
Science discovery centres (sometimes called science centres, STEM centres or discovery museums) are hands-on visitor attractions designed to engage the public, particularly families and school groups, with science, technology, engineering and maths through interactive exhibits and programming. They sit alongside museums, heritage attractions and visitor centres as part of the UK’s wider visitor economy, but bring their own challenges: high running costs for interactive exhibits, a strong education and outreach remit, and funding that often blends admissions income with grants, sponsorship and educational contracts.
Have been commissioned by local authorities and charitable trusts who are either developing a new experience or enhancing an existing site. Typical projects include:
- Market assessments for new-build or expansion proposals, benchmarking against comparable UK and international science centres
- Feasibility studies to test whether a proposed development can be operationally and financially viable
- Business plans to support capital funding bids
Visitor number forecasting and income generation modelling, covering admissions, membership schemes, education bookings, retail and catering
Because our sister company also operates visitor attractions, our advice is grounded in real operational experience, not just desk-based research.
Market Assessments and Feasibility Studies
- Wonderseekers, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium: Market assessment
- Cambridge Science Centre: Market assessment
- International Earth Resources Centre, The Earth Project, North Wales: Market assessment and visitor modelling
- Hartlepool Borough Council, STEM Centre, Seaton Carew: Feasibility study
Business Planning for Capital Funding
- Eden Project Morecambe: Business planning
Our 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 science 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.
Science Discovery Centre Consultancy Projects – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a science discovery centre feasibility study involve?
A feasibility study typically covers a review of the baseline position, market assessment, visitor number forecasting, income generation modelling, and testing the financial viability of a proposed development against capital and operating costs. This is underpinned by an extensive programme of consultation with stakeholders and interested parties alongside assessing and benchmarking comparator science discovery centres.
How long does a market assessment or feasibility study take?
Timescales vary with project scope; to produce a robust draft market assessment or feasibility study, we allow between 12 to 14 weeks , which allows time for stakeholder consultation and data analysis.
Do you work with councils and charities as well as private operators?
Yes. Our project list includes local authorities, charitable trusts and CICs alongside private sector clients.
Can you help with business plans for capital funding bids?
Yes. We prepare detailed business plans that support capital funding applications,
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 discovery centre or other visitor experience project please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk