Plans For West of England Indoor Snow Centre Announced (01-Jun-11)

Work on the UK’s seventh and the UK’s longest-yet indoor snow slope will commence....

Work on the UK’s seventh and the UK’s longest-yet indoor snow slope will commence by the end of the year if its backers get a smooth ride.

A public consultation and exhibition of plans for the slope, proposed for a former RAF base near Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset in the West of England took place this week.

As well as the UK’s longest indoor snow slope, at 210m, the complex named Leisuredome, would also include the country’s highest indoor climbing wall, health club, freefall centre, bike park, indoor surf park and children’s play facilities as well as cafes, shops and restaurants.

The £50m complex on land to the east of Locking Parklands, formerly known as RAF Locking, expects to attract half a million visitors in its first year and create nearly 600 jobs.

Another part of the site has been earmarked for the construction of 1,500 homes at cost of £400 million.

“The development will not only attract those interested in the activities on offer, but will also generate wider associated tourism benefits for Weston.” said Leisuredome UK director Clive Hamilton-Davies said: “This has the potential to attract more than half a million visitors in its first year of opening.

Detailed plans have now been submitted to the local council for consideration.