Popular Swansea attraction Plantasia is on the brink of a bright new future.
Swansea Council is looking to revitalise the tropical plant and animal venue by developing a new partnership with specialist leisure and attractions operator Parkwood Leisure.
A £1.1m investment would help Parkwood provide an innovative and unique attraction focused on rainforest life.
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 would include rope bridges, tree hut, an interactive waterfall, trails, immersive audio and interactive effects. There would be an improved café.
“Our planned partnership with Parkwood – a well-established and respected leisure and attraction specialist – would mean a secure future for the facility, 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.
“If our ongoing positive discussions with Parkwood and retail park landlord go as planned, 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.”
Key customers would include families with children aged under 10, schools and groups. Plantasia would be available for corporate, commercial and business events.
Parkwood would manage the Parc Tawe facility on a 15-year contract; council staff would become Parkwood employees on equivalent terms and conditions.
The facility's overhaul would mean a short temporary closure in the new year.
The council's cabinet is due to meet on December 20 to agree the £1.1m investment.
