Parc Cwm Darran & Aberbarged Interpretation Project

Descriptions

Provision of a consultancy service with an aim to increase both the numbers and range of visitors to both Parc Cwm Darran and Aberbargoed Grasslands partly through the provision of novel and stimulating interpretation. Both sites are large and it is the intention that the interpretation should be located within the buildings on site and within proximity to them, the interpretation encouraging patrons to move out from these hubs of their own accord. Significant levels of grant funding are being provided by the Welsh Assembly Government, through the European Union Convergence Programme via the Valleys Regional Park and the Heads of the Valleys Initiative, to both sites. Whilst much of this aimed towards the physical improvement of the sites there is also an element targeting interpretation and understanding.The overall objective of the study is to link and expand on what has already been achieved by the Countryside Service, by developing a range of types of interpretation through both the media of interactive electronic interpretation and more traditional types of displays. Consideration should be given to both internal and external locations that will be required. To achieve this it is thought that: a)Information and Interpretation inside the visitor centres for the public to learn about the facilities and wider area should be centred on electronic media. b)Information and interpretation outside the Visitor Centres should be of a more robust and traditional nature. The successful consultant will be expected to research available media and then guide and recommend to the Client a package of both hardware and software. The Consultant will be responsible for the development, purchase and installation of this. It should be noted that it is a requirement that all materials produced must be bilingual and meet the Valleys Heart and Soul brand guidelines.The information required by the client at the conclusion of this contract can be summarised as: -To produce an interpretation package for Park Cwm Darran and surrounding area consisting of investigation, design and production to enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the aims of VRP through the exploration into the history/ecology/recreation and opportunities that are on offer at the site and local environments with an emphasis on enjoyment and health. Similar applies to the site at Aberbargoed however in terms of developing the themes and outputs closer working with the site Manager will be required. The successful consultant should make provision to attend two meetings with representatives of adjoining communities, one being a conception meeting and the other a progress meeting. Both meetings will be arranged and led by the Site Manager. Here the emphasis will be on ecology, land management and sustainability.To undertake appropriate consultation with relevant bodies and people to ensure that the wider linkages and aspirations are delivered through this project. Attention is drawn to the requirement that interpretation should be both developed and branded with the Valleys Hearts and Soul initiative. The contract will be required to commence as soon as possible with a view to awarding the contract in the first week of March with a completion date of 20 July 2011.