The ‘tropical waterpark’ in the UK getting a £13m expansion
A £13million expansion is set to be complete at a hugely popular UK waterpark ahead of what should be a busy summer.
Describing itself as the “UK’s number one tropical theme park,” Waterworld in Staffordshire opened a new £250,000 immersive play village last year.
Now, even more money has been spent on the facility, with £13m invested in even further developments on the park.
Waterworld has rides to suit all types of visitor including thrill-seekers, those who are more laid-back and smaller kids.
The Space Bowl is among the park’s most-favoured rides, with people being swirled around a giant UFO before they tumble out into a splash pool beneath.
There’s also Nucleus – the water rollercoaster that blasts riders along a 375ft slide.
Thunderbolt, Stormchaser and Cyclone provide thrills for adrenaline junkies, while the rapids, the wave pool and the python are designed for relaxation and youngsters to enjoy.
The park has thousands of five star reviews on TripAdvisor, where it currently sits as the second best waterpark in the UK, with plenty of people raving about its variety.
One wrote: “Great day out with the family.
“There was something for every age, entertaining our 13 year old Nephew down to our 3 year old daughter. Lots of different water slides to chose from and it wasn’t too crowded.”
Another said: “This is our 4th, maybe 5th visit over the past 5 years which I guess says it all! Overall great value for money with lots of rides.
“There were three of us – two early to mid thirties and a 17 year old – we had a great time. Lots of slides to choose from.”
A third added: “Definitely deserves a 5-star rating for its excellent slides and exciting wave pool, making it a must-visit destination for families of all ages.”
The park is now hoping to ensure it remains popular with visitors with its latest expansion, which sees a £13m outlay on an energy project to help it save costs in the long run.
Unused roof space across will be used to house thousands of solar panels, to help meet the facility’s energy needs.
Waterworld Group chief operating officer Wayne Goodall told the Business Desk: “Swimming pools, water parks and health clubs use a lot of energy, day in, and day out, and it’s our priority to make energy supplies as cost-effective as possible.
“Saving money on energy can be the difference between businesses like ours surviving or failing, especially in the current climate.”
Competition for Waterworld is set to step up in the next few years, with plenty of brand new water attractions being planned.
Therme Manchester
The biggest of the new attractions Therme Manchester, a massive indoor water attraction, set to open in 2025.
Once completed, it will be the size of 18 football pitches and will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and even an indoor beach.
Spas, restaurants, swim up bars and a wellbeing garden will all be part of the £250million resort.
Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures has also revealed plans for a new waterpark – that some say could even rival Disney.
The plans show how the safari hotel could be expanded to include the water park which would have wave, infinity and spa pools.
Lazy and rapid rivers, water slides as well as beach cabanas and bars are also part of the project.
The Cove Resort, Southport
Southport is looking to make a splash too by opening its own surfing attraction, called The Cove Resort.
The £75million resort would open on the coast, although it already has its own sandy beach.
Along with the centre water lagoon, it will also have a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
Meanwhile, this waterpark is opening in Europe in spring, with first-of-their-kind slides and wave pools.
And this £14m waterpark is hoping to reopen in the UK.