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Ski proposal to transform resort
WHY go to the Alps when you have the Golden Mile?
Ambitious plans unveiled today are more than a mere ski slope – but an entire alpine experience for all the family.
The 20-acre Central Station site has been earmarked for a snow dome which would be the biggest in Europe.
It would create 3,000 full-time jobs, and be able to cater for up to 4,000 people at any one time.
At two thirds the height of The Tower, the stunning winter wonderland would be three times the size of Manchester's Chill Factor – itself one of the hottest tourist attractions in the north.
The development would also include other leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, shops, apres ski bars, a hotel and possibly conference facilities. It would also have the world's first dedicated snow-boarding facility.
North West-based Greenbank Partnerships has linked up with Malcolm Clulow, of Acer Snowmec Consultants, who holds the world patent for making artificial snow.
He said: "To have the opportunity to bring Blackpool back to its era of glory is wonderful."
Funding for the project, which will cost hundreds of millions of pounds, would come from Greenbank and Clulow's own companies and other investors.
Mr Clulow was part of the team which created Ski Dubai – the only comparable facility in the world to that proposed for Blackpool.
Also on board is the Baker Leisure Group, based in Orlando, Florida, which has already sent representatives to check Blackpool out.
The project is at an early stage, but the developers believe it is just what Blackpool needs – a year-round family attraction with a proven track record.
Mr Clulow added: "It will be priced to bring people into the sport, for people who have never been on a skiing holiday. But it will feel as though you have gone to one of the best ski resorts in the world. It will have a mountain atmosphere with temperatures of -1.5. It's also very environmentally friendly and re-uses its energy three or four times.
"Most snow centres have one straight down slope and we know they have a proven track record. But this will be more than that. It's a bit like the way swimming evolved from doing lengths, to enjoying an indoor tropical atmosphere at places like Centre Parcs.
"This will be three times the size of Manchester's Chill Factore, with five different grades of run, like a proper winter resort. We always knew Chill Factor was too small for the market. Ski Dubai is doing a million visits a year with four hour dwell times. It's almost paid for itself in three years.
"What we propose for Blackpool is a centre where the ceiling will be 40 metres above. It's about capturing the spirit of the mountain, with trees, rockwork, chair lifts and moving clouds.
"Snow centres are a new generation of theme parks and they're not seasonal. In fact, it will peak in the winter which is just what Blackpool needs."
Chris Baybutt, from Greenbank Partnerships, said: "The anchor to all this is the snow and it is tried and tested. It is a fabulous opportunity to pursue. We will also be bringing the guest experience that Disney does so well."
Wigan-based Greenbank was involved in developing a 140m retail park in St Helens, known as Ravenhead Retail Park, and is also spearheading the major Leigh Sports Village development.
>> Plans revealed for Blackpool Snow Dome
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South west
