Attractions industry news

30 Aug 2019

Several hurdles to clear for proposed £75m Bournemouth waterpark

A proposed £75m (US$91.3m, €82.7m) waterpark and spa near Bournemouth will be the biggest in the UK, if it's able to gain approval and raise the necessary funding.

Projected to open in 2023, Elysium Water Park UK would be a year-round attraction, with both a tropical indoor and an outdoor waterpark. Featuring VR and AR synchronised water rides and transparent flumes, the attraction would create 500 jobs and be able to accommodate more than a million visitors each year.

According to the project's website, the development will deliver "the ultimate waterpark paradise", as well as a high-quality wellness and beauty spa that would include facilities such as a sauna, hammam spas, massage and beauty treatments and exercise and dance options.

Set on a 75-acre site near Bournemouth Airport at Hurn, the plans also include a lagoon surf park, although this would be developed through a different company, Adventure Out There 365.

The project is being led by Costa Acodrinesei, who told the Bournemouth Echo the idea was "something very spectacular".

"It's a very big vision but I know we can do it," he said.

There are a number of issues to resolve before then however, and the newspaper report goes on to outline these: finance has not been raised, although there are said to be a number of significant interested investors; there is currently no business plan in place; the proposed site is a green belt area and is close to a site of special scientific interest; the scheme does not have planning consent as yet, and dialogue has so far been only with members of the previous ruling council; there are also infrastructure issues in the location, requiring major road improvements.

"I am concerned that those promoting this proposal seem to be using premature marketing to give the impression that it is a done deal," said councillor Margaret Phipps. "It's far from that. BCP is a new council, with many new members, and there is not even an application to consider."

<< Back

News powered by attractionsmanagement.com

The Everyday Heritage initiative celebrates and preserves working class histories

Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England. [more...]

Heartbreak for Swedish theme park, Liseberg, as fire breaks out

A fire has destroyed part of the new water world, Oceana, at Liseberg in Sweden, and a construction worker has been reported missing. [more...]

Raby Castle reveals ambitious plans to become a major visitor destination

Raby Castle, known as one of the finest medieval fortifications in England, is nearing the end of an ambitious two-year renovation project. [more...]

Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion

Wake the Tiger, the Bristol-based immersive art experience, is set to open its 1,000sq m expansion on Friday 2 February. [more...]

Tate Modern and Frame collaborate on a mind/body experience

London boutique operator, Frame, has teamed up with the Tate Modern to offer two yin and sound yoga classes, following by a tour of the art gallery. [more...]

Elvis Presley Live is rolling out globally

Immersive entertainment specialists, Layered Reality, is creating a tribute to Elvis Presley featuring a concert experience with a life-sized digital Elvis. [more...]

In brief:

@PerthMuseumUK to open Easter weekend, bringing the Stone of Destiny back to Scotland for the first time in more than 700 years @culturepandk @mecanoo_ [more...]
Excitement for Bedford as the town could be home to Europe’s first Universal Studios @parks_universal [more...]
Google launches Gemini AI – its ChatGPT killer @google [more...]
Tourism think tank explores gender equity and male allyship @tourismsociety [more...]
Accenture says AI is bringing on a decade of deconstruction @AccentureSong #Accenture #AI #Technology [more...]
Back in time – visitors experience 1960s healthcare in Black Country Museum's new living history centre @BCLivingMuseum #BlackCountry #NHS #History [more...]
Attractions.io creates night-time map for Alton Towers @attractions_io @daz_black @altontowers #AltonTowers #MerlinEntertainments #DazBlack #DazGames [more...]
'Birthplace of Scottish tourism', Trossachs Pier, to get iconic viewing tower @lomondtrossachs #LochLomond #Trossachs [more...]
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval #spa #wellness #wellbeing #health #fitness #investsment #development #progress [more...]
More news from attractionsmanagement.com>>
<< Back