A NEW ‘Center Parcs-style resort’ is planned at Gulliver’s World.

The children’s theme park is set to lodge an application for planning permission with Warrington Borough Council in order to construct 79 family friendly holiday lodges to the south east of its current site in Old Hall.

An outdoor woodland adventure activities centre would include children’s playgrounds, clip and climb, den building, bird box and hotel making and woodland crafts.

A spa and treatment centre, a ‘pet resort’ offering overnight kennels, 20 caravan and camping pitches, accommodation for groups such as the scouts and guides, a sports pitch and a new staff training facility are also mooted.

Warrington Guardian:

The development also hopes to make use of its proximity to ‘seven miles of signposted walks, cycle paths and bridleways through Sankey Valley Park and beyond’.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s, said: “Our proposal is inspired by the best of what places like the National Trust offers in terms of making the outdoor easily accessible to families whilst offering comfortable and affordable accommodation that can be enjoyed by families within reach of places like Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

“We want to combine these elements with what Gulliver’s does best – providing a unique children’s entertainment and theme park attraction.”

Planning consultants County Planning Ltd helped to draw up proposals for the scheme.

Warrington Guardian:

How the proposed lodges could look

Manging director Dan Matthewman added: “Gulliver’s, along with other tourism providers, are seeing an increase in demand for holidays and short breaks in the UK which are focused around children’s outdoor entertainment.

“Even in this growing market there is a lack of purpose-built holiday accommodation in north Cheshire for young families.

“The proposed woodland resort at Gulliver’s World will be linked to the existing theme park and offer overnight accommodation for families, and turn what might have been a day trip into a viable short-break or holiday in the UK.

“The proposed skills academy will help the company increase its hospitality and visitor economy skills training for employees, maximising potential employment opportunities for local people.”