Client: City and County of Swansea

Although information is available at a number of visitor attractions and accommodation units, there is currently no dedicated visitor centre serving rural Swansea. It has been felt for some time that a focal centre in rural Swansea is needed, particularly to serve visitors to Gower and members of the local community (a dual purpose hub).

PSC carried out a comprehensive feasibility study to consider the potential for dedicated visitor and community facility to support the tourism sector and wider rural economy.

The opportunity for a visitor centre and rural hub to service the needs of visitors and local communities in rural Swansea was evaluated as part of a study to demonstrate evidence of need. The purpose of our study was to ascertain the needs of local businesses, residents and visitors to guide decisions relating to a proposed visitor centre / rural resource centre.

The study involved:

• • An audit of existing visitor services and facilities and helped to identify gaps and opportunities
  • A survey of businesses in the study area to gauge needs, demand and the level of support for the project
  • A survey among visitors to the area
  • Consultation with Members, Officers and Rural Partnership
  • An analysis of existing visitor profiles
  • Identifying opportunities for growth
  • Setting out the preferred type of facilities, which will help to generate income

The visitor centre / community hub feasibility study formed a key strand of the RDP’s Strategic Programme. Our study helped to confirm that any facility would be multi-functional and offer wider community benefit, through a form of ‘rural resource hub.’

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