Plantasia Attraction in Swansea has a Bright New Future
The popular Swansea attraction Plantasia has a bright new future ahead of it for 2019 as the Swansea Council is looking to revitalise the tropical plant and animal attraction.
Swansea Council are developing a new partnership with specialist leisure and attractions operator Parkwood Leisure. It’s hoped that a £1.1m investment into Plantasia will help Parkwood provide an innovative and unique venue focused on rainforest life.
Swansea Council Investment
The council’s cabinet met on 20th December 2018 and agreed the £1.1m investment.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “This is an exciting time for Plantasia and for those who enjoy visiting the venue. We want to revitalise it, offering a must-see experience that is fun, high-quality, entertaining and educational. New features are set to include rope bridges, a tree hut, an interactive waterfall, trails, immersive audio and interactive effects. An improved café is planned.”
“Our planned partnership with Parkwood – a well-established and respected leisure and attraction specialist – would mean a secure future for the facility and new opportunities for the thousands of people who visit Plantasia. It would mean lower costs for the council over the term of the contract; this is crucial as our central government funding has decreased substantially.”
“Providing ongoing discussions with Parkwood and the retail park landlord continue positively, Parkwood will deliver the service for our customers on our behalf; our partnership will ensure they give the people of Swansea what they want and need. We intend to deliver the best outcomes for us all. We want to work with Parkwood to give the people of Swansea the best Plantasia offer we can.”
The Upgrade
Whilst exact details of what will be involved in the upgrade is still not clear, the council has confirmed that Plantasia will be upgraded with its core customers in mind such as families with children aged under 10, schools and groups. Also, Plantasia would be available for corporate, commercial and business events.
The new partner Parkwood Leisure would manage the Parc Tawe facility on a 15-year contract and the current council staff would become Parkwood employees on equivalent terms and conditions.
Due to the facility’s overhaul it will mean that we can expect a short temporary closure in the new year.
