Basingstoke is on the verge of transforming its leisure landscape with ambitious plans for an exciting indoor water park and a 500-bedroom hotel gaining momentum. The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council recently approved a primary agreement with Great Wolf Resorts, a prominent US-based leisure operator renowned for its family-friendly attractions.
This proposed resort, strategically located adjacent to the existing leisure park, envisions various entertainment options. These include all conference facilities, an indoor water park, a 500-bedroom hotel, and various leisure activities, including a games arcade, mini-golf, ropes course, mini-bowling area, and fancy dining options. The realization of this ambitious project hinges on obtaining the necessary planning permissions.
Great Wolf Resorts, distinguished for its nineteen Great Wolf Lodge branded resorts across Canada and the United States, has already secured planning permission for a UK resort close to Bicester in Oxfordshire. If the Basingstoke project materializes, it aims to offer day passes to residents, granting access to the indoor water park amenities.
Anticipated to draw over 600,000 visitors annually, create more than 600 new jobs, and infuse a significant economic boost into the borough, the resort promises a wealth of family-friendly attractions and dining options outside the water park. It holds even for those who opt not to stay overnight.
With the preliminary agreement in place, negotiations are set to unfold between the council and Great Wolf Resorts for a lengthy lease on the land. The worker can present a design request to initiate the development process upon finalisation.
The current site, presently housing the Basingstoke Golf Centre, will continue its operations as a golf facility until the development advances, provided it secures planning permission. The anticipated sale of the golf centre’s land is poised to generate substantial support for the council, earmarked to put back into the revival of the leisure park, a different water and leisure compound to substitute the Aquadrome, and essential services for residents.
Cllr Gavin James, Cabinet member and Co-leader for finance and property underscored the project’s significance in delivering a contemporary leisure park. He stressed that the agreement and land sale would provide crucial funding for regeneration and ensure plans are in place to re-establish the facilities currently offered by the golf centre.
This thrilling venture represents a significant stride towards establishing a 21st-century leisure hub in Basingstoke. Residents and visitors alike can anticipate a diverse and memorable array of entertainment options. Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations progress, and the proposed water park and resort edge become closer to becoming a reality.
