Clients: Cadwyn Clwyd Cyfyngedig and the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Planning Solutions Consulting were commissioned to carry out a visitor attraction feasibility study to determine the practicality and viability of a nature inspired learning and discovery tourist attraction and community resource centre in North Wales. The site is part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and is home to an exceptional range of major landmarks (including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Shropshire Union canal, Chirk Castle, Valle Crucis Abbey and a standard gauge heritage railway), stunning natural features and a very strong cultural heritage, hosting many events of international significance.
The concept for the visitor attraction was developed by local parents committed to creating a resource in the Dee Valley to help children enjoy and learn from the local environment, benefit the local tourist economy and create local employment opportunities.
The visitor attraction feasibility study focussed on:
- Assessing the proposed development site
- Creating a detailed vision for the visitor attraction
- Carrying out consultation with stakeholders and the community
- Carrying out a market assessment and drivetime analysis
- Identifying and assessing different scales of development options
- Identifying capital costs
- Preparing a visitor model
- Setting out the staffing structure
- Developing a trading profile setting out income and cost centres
- Identifying potential funding sources
- Carrying out a risk assessment
It was important to ensure that the project concept is in line with a number of national and local strategies including: The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, The Environment Act, The Welsh Government Strategy for Tourism: Partnership for Growth 2013-2020, The Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010. Denbighshire County Councils’ Economic and Community Ambition Strategy 2013-2023. Denbighshire Destination Management Action Plan and the AONB Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about preparing a business plan or income generation strategy for a visitor attraction or visitor centre or would like to discuss our work please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 023 9248 1999 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk
“Cadwyn Clwyd – in conjunction with the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB – procured PSC to develop a feasibility study to turn a disused landfill site on the outskirts of Llangollen into a nature inspired learning and discovery centre. The study provided an overview of the proposed site and a comprehensive insight into the attractions market, potential visitor numbers and considered the costs and revenue projections for two options. Richard & Kevin are very knowledgeable, with proven experience of their sector; they kept in regular contact with the project team and were responsive to the teams requirements. This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.” Donna Hughes, Business Partnerships Officer, Cadwyn Clwyd (Rural Development Agency)