CETE079 Pleasley Visitor Hub Feasibility Study

This Pleasley Visitor Hub Feasibility Study will test the proposition of the area as a sustainable tourism hub, underpinned by the areas heritage assets, local environment and cycling as a zero-carbon leisure activity.

The Study will provide an evidence based approach to future development, identifying what actions need to be taken in order to create sustainable growth.

The current proposition, as outlined within Appendix 2, is for illustrative purposes only, and the study will need to:
• present the geographic scope of the development of the Hub, assessing how points of interest link spatially across the area, and explain how these contribute to the development of an alternative, sustainable short-break destination.
• analyse the current offer and the potential for increased demand, presenting models of future growth with an assessment of uplift and an analysis of market capacity and competition. This should include a review of current accommodation and other facilities such as cafés and bike hire etc. that can attract the fun-family and active adult markets. And should suggest (and market test) the optimal range of activities as part of the development of the economic rationale that will underpin any future investment decisions.
• test the economics of developing a sustainable tourism hub, by considering alternative economic models such as ‘not-for-profit’, ‘willingness to pay’ and ‘voluntourism’, alongside a more traditional economic model. Consideration should be given to: developing ‘circular’ and ‘local’ economies; promoting local products; zero-carbon or low-carbon development; using any development to support health and wellbeing; and to make a positive contribution to local cultural and environmental heritage by directing profits into future management. This work should be carried out with consideration for price-point, in order to develop the Hub as an affordable and sustainable alternative destination.