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Plans for a second Great Wolf waterpark in the UK could soon be finalised after an ‘in-principle’ deal was agreed for a proposed attraction in Basingstoke
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Feb 2024
Proposals would see a Great Wolf waterpark resort open its doors in Basingstoke in the UK Credit: Great Wolf
Plans for the Great Wolf chain of waterpark resorts to come to the UK have moved forward after an ‘in-principle’ deal was agreed by the local council.
The resort, which would be located in Basingstoke, Hampshire, would feature a large indoor waterpark alongside a 500-bedroom hotel, FEC attractions, F&B options and conference facilities.
Expected to draw up to 600,000 visitors each year, Great Wolf and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will now start negotiations for a long lease for the land ahead of the operator submitting a planning application for development of the site.
The site of the waterpark proposal is currently home to Basingstoke Golf Centre, owned by the council and operated by the Basingstoke Leisure Trust and managed by Serco. This provides a par-three nine-hole golf course, an 18-hole adventure golf zone and a floodlit driving range.
“Developing a high-profile new attraction would encourage other leisure operators to create new facilities and activities in the neighbouring leisure park and the town centre, by significantly increasing visitor numbers,” said a council proposal.
“Selling the golf centre land would bring in significant funding for the council to reinvest in the regeneration of the leisure park, a new water and leisure complex to replace the Aquadrome and services for local residents.”
According to the council, the proposed site will continue to run as a golf centre until the development progresses, subject to getting planning permission.
Recognising the importance of the facilities currently provided at the golf course, proposals to re-provide the facilities are also being drawn up.
The waterpark would join that of a £200m (US$255m, €233m) Great Wolf development in Bicester, Oxfordshire, which has already received its own planning permission.
Construction works on the Oxfordshire site are scheduled to conclude in 2024, with the plans covering 182,000sq m (2 million sq ft) and featuring an indoor waterpark with several waterslides and pools, an adventure park offering rope course, climbing walls, arcades, and a bowling alley. The complex will also include a 504-room hotel, multiple F&B outlets and conference facilities with an outdoor terrace.
Waterparks
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