Contentious £45m Blackpool leisure scheme progresses
A consultation has launched on plans for the redevelopment of part of Stanley Park Golf Course into a family entertainment centre.
Blackpool UKAP, a subsidiary of Holmes Investment Properties, is to create a 70,000 sq ft indoor activity centre featuring zip wires, climbing walls, and ninja assault courses.
According to the developer, health will be a core theme of the activity centre.
Adrenalin World, a leisure park operator run by tennis player-turned-leisure mogul David Lloyd, had been tipped to operate the facility. However, the developer told Place North West a final decision on a tenant would be made once plans were approved.
Other elements of the £45m proposal, to be developed on 39 acres off East Park Drive, include the creation of 150 holiday lodges.
For the plans to progress, the golf course will be reduced from 18 holes to nine. A new clubhouse and practice facilities are planned for the golf club.
The lodges will be located on the eastern part of the 39-acre site. Credit: via consultation documents
The scaling back of the golf facilities angered some residents, prompting a campaign to block UKAP’s plans.
However, despite the objections, Blackpool Council agreed to sell the land to UKAP last October. In September 2021, UKAP and the council exchanged contracts on an initial six-year lease. Subject to planning consent being approved, UKAP will sign a 175-year lease on the site.
The project team for the leisure scheme comprises planner Iceni Projects, Ryder Architects, engineer Hydrock, environmental consultant Wharton, and transport consultants Mode Transport. UK Networks is leading on community engagement.
Michael Simmonds, chief executive of Holmes Investment Properties, said: “I am pleased to be sharing our exciting plans to create a unique new leisure destination for Blackpool.
“The public consultation marks a key milestone for the project and I want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the pre-application consultation before a planning application being submitted in spring 2022.”
The impact on nature,green spaces, roads/traffic will be horrendous.
Sick people in hospital and the council allow this monstrosity holiday Village to be built by outside workforce, no local jobs in creating.
Do you actually care about our town and the people who live here, I don’t think so.
By Anonymous
I oppose proposed plans to build over Blackpool’s largest, green space; 39 acres of nature, golf course and greenery enjoyed by many locals and build a tourist hotspot featuring an Entertainment Centre and 150 holiday lodges.
Firstly, what a great way to add more congestion onto busy East Park Drive and prevent emergencies from easily accessing the hospital! Plus, the building work will be right next to the Cardiac ward! Such unempathetic plans, discounting vulnerable and ill patients of Victoria Hospital.
Not to mention the environmental impact on the biodiversity of plants and animals alike, in Salisbury Woodland. A beautiful, peaceful walk that many local residents relish will be ruined by building work initially, then traffic, tourists and noise pollution from entertainment such as go-karting.
Bringing out of town contractors to produce something for tourists shows there is no care for local residents. There is limited demand for 150 holiday lodges in the Stanley Park area. There is no need for a tourist-trap in such a residential area.
So sad when profit comes before nature, an already depleting, finite resource.
By Anonymous
Why on earth do Blackpool council want to give planning permission for this completely out of character development next to a hospital. This development should be built in the heart of the tourist district in Blackpool central. There are so many run down areas in Blackpool that could benefit from this type of attraction. Why spoil a beautiful green area with lovely peaceful walks which, of course, is in short supply in Blackpool. I hope that Victoria Hospital are objecting to this development – can you imagine being in a Ward close to this and all you want is peace and quiet whilst recovering- well fat chance of that if this goes ahead.
By Anonymous
What on earth are these people thinking, shouldn’t we be trying to keep what green spaces we have left I totally agree with the previous comments why on earth would you put this on such wonderful green spaces and home to wildlife and important plants and shrubs , there are not that many green spaces left we should be preserving what is left not destroying it.
By anonymous
As planning is run by Blackpool Council surely it is a forgone conclusion that plans will be passed.Swifts feed on that side of the course it used to be a pleasure watching them swoop between the golf trolleys .They wll no longer do this.Also local folk will not get the use of facilities as they will be taken by visitors once again little thought by the council for the people who pay their wages.
By Ralph Goss