Planning Solutions Consulting has been providing support and expertise to a range of clients across the Tees Valley since 2013 to improve and develop the visitor economy. We work with destinations, attractions, museums, activity and accommodation providers and brands to develop and enhance the visitor economy – sharing our knowledge and expertise to inspire change and growth. We also work with a network of specialists from landscape architects through to masterplanners and conservation architects.

Our work has included tourism development, market insight, feasibility studies and strategy development. We are currently working in a team preparing a new destination management plan for Redcar and Cleveland, which we have also been asked to review in 2022 and 2023. Below we set out information on specific tourism and leisure projects we have worked on in the area.

Redcar Seafront Cinema soft market testing

Working with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council we carried out a soft market testing and consultation exercise for a new cinema operation at the Regent Cinema site in a prominent seafront location in Redcar.

Visitor attraction feasibility study

We were commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council to carry out a feasibility study for a visitor attraction at the Waterfront in Hartlepool.

Kirkleatham Walled Garden business plan review, governance options appraisal and soft market testing

We worked with the Council at Kirkleatham Walled Garden to review the existing business plan, consult with Officers and Members and carry out a governance options appraisal to identify and evaluate future organisational structures. We also carried out a soft market testing exercise to identify potential market interest in operating the Walled Garden at Kirkleatham

Feasibility study for a watersports centre with linked residential accommodation

Working with Hartlepool Borough Council we carried out a feasibility study for a coastal watersports hub with linked residential accommodation.

STEM visitor centre business plan

We provided specialist input to assess the feasibility of developing a STEM focused visitor centre in Seaton Carrow.

Events venue feasibility study

Planning Solutions Consulting was commissioned by Hartlepool Borough Council to carry out a feasibility study for an events venue as part of a proposed visitor attraction offer.

What makes us different?

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

• Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
• CONKERS Discovery Centre
• The National Brewery Centre (formerly the Bass Museum)
• Cotswold Country Park and Beach
• 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 ‘hands-on’ 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:

“The Hartlepool STEM feasibility study has provided a robust foundation and direction of travel to develop the project. We were delighted with the hands-on approach and commitment of the team to deliver a quality feasibility study and business plan. We would have no hesitation in using the company to support future regeneration activities within the borough.” Andy Golightly, Hartlepool Borough Council

Here are some other testimonials from clients.