First look at new £200 million indoor waterpark that could open in UK
New images reveal what a huge new £200m waterpark with a 500-room hotel and mini-golf course could look like when it opens in the UK. American leisure operator Great Wolf Resorts is looking to build the waterpark resort on the site of Basingstoke Golf Centre. An 'in principle' deal has been agreed with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council after the US-based operator expressed an interest in breaking into the UK market. The resort could feature a 500-bedroom hotel, an indoor water park, mini-golf, mini-bowling, ropes course, games arcade and selection of restaurants, cafés and bars as well as conference spaces.
During a recent public consultation, directors from the US leisure company explained their visions to residents who were also invited to give feedback on the proposals. Images of the proposal were also to locals to give them an idea of how the resort might look as well as providing information on access and parking. Designs show that the resort would have an entrance via the Worthing Rod roundabout, between Basingstoke Leisure Park and Moniton Trading Estate. There would also be public rights of way created though landscaped grounds. It has been suggested that the resort could be opened by 2029, if the proposals receive planning permission. Great Wolf Resorts currently operates 20 branded resorts in the US and Canada, having first launched in 1997.
A family of four looking for a one-night stay at a Great Wolf Resort in the US would be set back at least $199 (£157). The leisure firm also has planning permission to build a UK resort near Bicester in Oxfordshire. A spokesperson for Great Wolf Lodge told the Basingstoke Gazette : 'We have been exploring opportunities to expand our signature Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort experience beyond North America, and we are excited by the growth potential within the UK market.
'We are currently reviewing multiple potential locations in the UK, with public exhibitions upcoming for sites in Clowne and Hampshire, which we have strong interest in developing. 'These two sites, along with a location in Oxfordshire that we previously received planning approval for, will help us reach a large concentration of UK families. 'Each of these resorts will provide around 500 permanent jobs and bring a world-class leisure facility to the region, attracting tourists and investment.' It is expected that the resort would attract 600,000 visitors to Basingstoke each year and provide more than 600 jobs.
The site is currently home to Basingstoke Golf Centre, owned by the council and operated by the Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust and managed by Serco. The site will continue to run as a golf centre until the development progresses through the planning system. Co-Leader and cabinet member for finance and property, councillor Gavin James said: 'One of our key priorities as a Cabinet is delivering a leisure park that is fit for the 21st century and a place that our residents can be proud of and we are really pleased to have signed this initial deal to move forward to bring Great Wolf to Basingstoke.
'It is an important first step in developing plans for this exciting new attraction that would provide amazing new facilities that local residents can enjoy, lots of new opportunities and attract thousands of visitors to the borough in a boost to our local economy. 'Alongside this, the deal and sale of the land will see the council receive significant funding which will be reinvested in the regeneration of the leisure park. 'We know how important the facilities currently on offer at the golf centre are to our residents so we are also developing plans to re-provide those facilities.' Earlier this month, a similar design for a waterpark and a 500-room hotel were unveiled for the village of Clowne in Derbyshire.
The proposals for the site of a former colliery that shut back in 1961 could create up to 500 jobs. 'This is an exciting project that will certainly put us on the map,' council leader Jane Yates said 'This proposal not only meets this but will provide us with leisure opportunities fit for 21st-century living.' Great Wolf Resorts plans' for its Bicester resort are also similar, with a 498-room hotel, an indoor waterpark and miniature golf. A £400m waterpark is also set to open in Manchester with hopes iit will be finished in 2028, after being delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Therme Manchester will boast indoor swimming pools, swim up bars and an all-weather beach.
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