Memorandum from Mr G R S Broke, Director
of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
In response to the Clerk of the Administration
Sub-Committee's letter dated 19 May 2006, ALVA submits the following
comments:
1. ALVA supports the creation of a Visitor
Centre that would explain the purpose and workings of Parliament.
2. Such a Visitor Centre should provide
Information on the Palace of Westminster and the associated World
Heritage site, and also the workings of Britain's democratic process
through Parliament.
3. The main target audience should be domestic
visitors, especially those still in full-time education.
4. Such an audience should be attracted
by a state-of-the-art interactive Visitor Centre which is imaginatively
constructed, the contents of which complement the National Curriculum.
5. Visitor numbers are notoriously hard
to predict, but 1.3 million seems a reasonable guestimate; however,
the vital figure to establish is the number of visitors that can
physically have a tour of the Palace of Westminster. Once this
figure is agreed, others will fall into place/can be calculated
depending on the overall aim for this project and the use of pre-booking/timed
ticketing.
6. The scope of the project appears reasonable,
but secure lock up facilities enabling the subsequent secure transportation
of visitors, without any possessions, into Parliament might pay
dividends.
7. If revenue is an issue and space allows,
catering should be considered in addition to retail. Without some
catering facilities there will be no opportunity to offer Corporate
Entertaining at a later date. Thus the need for revenue in the
future must be decided now, and from this will stem the decision
on catering.
8. ALVA foresees no impact on Westminster's
existing facilities as most visitors will already be in the area
to visit Westminster Abbey, the British Airways London Eye or
watch the Changing of the Guard.
9. Existing facilities will suffice, although
additional lavatories and litter bins may be needed.
10. Proximity is an issue. If suitable schemes
can be devised for Abingdon Green or Victoria Tower Gardens, these
would be best from the visitors' point of view.
12 June 2006
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