Design and Fitting of Visitor Centre at the National Bee Keeping Centre Wales (NBCW)

Descriptions

New VentureNational Beekeeping Centre Wales (NBCW)Location: Conwy Valley, North WalesOpening: Spring 2012The NBCW will open in the spring 2012 to assist the development of beekeeping in Wales that is vigorous, healthy, and environmentally responsible, through the promotion of good practice, accurate and accessible public information and the involvement of the community.The NBCW main office will be located in the brand new Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, opening Spring 2012 a site adjacent on one side to the world famous National Trust’s Bodnant Gardens and on the other, the A470 and the River ConwyOur Need:We are seeking an organisation that can design a visitor centre that will educate, inform and provide an experience to the visitor.We are in the process of developing our identity, logos etc BackgroundThe history of honey in Conwy dates back more than 700 years to the reign of King Edward 1st, when local beekeepers were first given the right to sell honey within the walls of Conwy town. The right to hold the fair is in the town's Royal Charter. The Conwy Valley has a long association with beekeeping; medieval bee boles occur locally and the Conwy Honey Fair provides a golden thread stretching back to the time of Edward 1st.Visitor CentreThe centre will offerCourses: basic introductory courses through to recognised qualificationsSpecialist advice to bee keepers in WalesEncouragement for bee keepers to develop and expandVisitor centre to educate, inform and provide an experienceApiary where people will be suited and under expert guidance be given the opportunity to see inside an active hive.Retail unit to purchase honey and related productsSupport and collaborate in researchWe plan to have a small visitor centre located at the food centre with a research centre based at a different site.Dimensions of the visitor centre (VC) are 6070 mm wide and 3703 mm deep. From the outside looking towards the VC the door is located centrally within the left hand glass panel. The door opens outwards and is hinged on the LHS.Visitor Centre – what we would like it to includeWe would like the centre to accommodate all senses, touch, smell, taste, sound, sight so visitors have a full experience of the honey bee.Live observatory to see the bees at workVisually experience e.g. eyes, sting, wings of a bee microscopicallyFacility for children to step into to show a bee’s 360 degree visionShow film clips History of bees, current situation futureThe importance of bees in Conwy, UK and worldWhat bees do and why they do itUses of honey over the agesPhotography of beesSelection ProcessIn the first instance please could you complete the PQQ (attached) by 30th November. If you are successful you will be notified by 7th December and invited to submit a full tender.