We are often asked to undertake Feasibility Studies to evaluate the potential and viability of a diverse range of initiatives.  In many situations these provide a vision and strategy for the client.

Linlithgow Palace

Historic Scotland sought technical advice as to the potential to roof the North Wing of Linlithgow Palace to create a major new exhibition telling the story of Mary Queen of Scots who was born in the Palace.
The study, which included technical engineering and architectural appraisal, storyline research, interpretive design and visitor management proposed a visitor route from a new car park located to the east of the town centre using the original eastern entrance into the Palace.  The return route proposed a visit to the church and an exit into the High Street thereby bringing economic benefit to the local community.
The study was approved by Historic Scotland and incorporated in their capital programme.

Exe Waterside Sports Centre

Feasibility Study for local community group into the potential to develop a new watersports and community facility on the edge of Exmouth Docks.  The redevelopment of the Docks for residential purposes provided the opportunity for a new facility to be created replacing existing inadequate provision.  This Feasibility Study, funded by East Devon District Council, provided a blueprint indicating that a new building could be funded and sustainable in the longer term.

Famous Grouse Whisky Visitor Centre

Preparation of Market Appraisal and Business Plan to support the business case for a new Famous Grouse visitor attraction which was presented to, and approved by, the main board of the group.  This was based on desk research and site appraisal and led to the approval of the overall proposals by the main board.  Was subsequently involved in appointment of designers for the implementation of the project.

Holkham National Nature Reserve

A Scoping Study to assess whether there was a prima facie case to develop a visitor centre at this popular National Nature Reserve on the North Norfolk Coast which attracts 750,000 visitors per annum.   The study confirmed that a centre would be appropriate and this has led to the project being progressed to the next stage. 

Aberdyfi Eco Centre

Detailed Feasibility Study into the concept of a new visitor centre in Aberdyfi promoting the proposed Dyfi Valley Biosphere Reserve.  The study included the feasibility of introducing an aquarium as part of the interpretive provision, market appraisal, capital cost, funding strategy and business plan.

Castleford Forum

Castleford boasts the remains of a major Roman fort, centre for coalmining, Rugby League heritage and the birthplace of Henry Moore.  The Town Museum was inadequate and inaccessible to present the evidence of this extensive heritage.  This Vision and Development Strategy, funded by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust, was undertaken to present a case for Heritage Lottery Fund and European funding to enable a  new  facility to be created to present the wide ranging stories of Castleford more effectively.  The £20m project comprised a community museum with visible and accessible District-wide museum store, library, community resource centre with central meeting space and supporting commercial elements.  We successfully obtained ‘Your Heritage’ HLF funding to appoint a ‘Community Facilitator’ in order to empower the community to determine what the overall facilities should comprise and have subsequently prepared a Detailed Feasibility Study.
Prepared a Project Planning Grant application to enable additional heritage studies to be undertaken pending a Stage 1 HLF bid.  Funding has been secured from a variety of sources and the project is being implemented.

North Chilterns Trust

Strategic review of the role and function of North Chilterns Trust.  This involved extensive consultations and facilitating two workshops with the key partners and organisations involved with the organisation.  The study suggested a way forward which has been implemented.

Hulme End

A strategy for the further development of the former Hulme End Railway Station including the creative use of the engine shed and other structures.  The study was based on sustainable development, minimising the impact on the hamlet yet maximising the benefit to the rural economy.  The proposals were costed and a funding strategy was recommended.   The study has been used to secure funding to undertake various works.

Newborough Warren

Prepared Interpretive Plan and Feasibility Study and objective Options Appraisal into the potential to develop a visitor centre at this popular site which attracts up to 200,000 visits per annum.  The study, which included a Business Plan, has been used to lever EU Convergence funding.

Braunton Burrows

Feasibility Study into the potential to develop a education/visitor centre for Braunton Burrows.  The study includes an Options Appraisal and Business Plan and recommends the way forward.

Other Feasibility Studies have been prepared for a wide range of projects including:

Quaker Museum

Cleethorpes Discovery Centre (implemented and successful)

Humber Bridge Visitor Centre

St Patrick’s Country Heritage Centre (Downpatrick)

Gateway Yorkshire Tourist Information Centre (implemented and successful)

Scottish Planned Villages Centre, Greenbank House

Saddell Abbey, Kintyre (implemented)

Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group

Dalmellington Book Town

Dartmouth Watersports Centre

Hovercraft Museum (operating)

Museum of the Broads (operating)

Galloway Forest Park

Banwy Valley