Country park gets set to GoApe!

IT IS HOPED THE DIZZYING TREE-TOP ADVENTURE AND A SECOND CAFé WOULD BOOST VISITOR NUMBERS AT COOMBE...

A NEW cafe could be built at Coombe Abbey under the same plans that would bring a GoApe obstacle course to the popular park.

Councillors will be asked to give officers the go-ahead to lease an area of land at the park to develop the dizzying tree-top assault course at a meeting on Tuesday, October 16. The rental payments for the land would then generate a regular income for the council. It is hoped the dizzying tree-top adventure and second cafe would boost both visitor numbers and revenue at the park.

The new cafe would be created at Top Pool Lodge.

If approved, planning applications for the high wires course and cafe are expected to go before Rugby Borough Council in October - the land stretches into Rugby borough so permission is needed from that authority.

If given the go-ahead there, work could then start and be finished early in the new year.

Maintenance costs Coventry City Council has owned the estate since the 1960s and bought Coombe Abbey Park Ltd, which operates the hotel at the park, in 2017.

Councillors are also being asked to approve a loan of up to £1.95million to Coombe Abbey Park Ltd so it can carry out any necessary maintenance works over the next 10 years. This would then be repaid with interest. Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration at Coventry City Council, said the investment in the park would help create more cash for frontline services in the city. He added: “We invested in Coombe Abbey because it was a sound financial move and it will generate income for the council and the people of Coventry. Improving the facilities there will do exactly the same thing. The park is loved by people around the city and the region and is a very popular attraction, but it has the potential to offer even more - so this is very exciting and it makes very good financial sense. In time it will create additional income for front line services for many years to come.” Cllr Abdul Khan, cabinet member for parks, said: “A tree tops adventure area will be a great attraction and it fits in with our aim of providing leisure facilities for the people of the city to enjoy and to help everyone stay fit and active. “It would also draw in people from further afield. “The second cafe is much needed. Coombe is a big old park and being able to stop for an extra drink or a bite to eat will encourage people to stay longer. “It will help to give visitors a memorable day out and make them want to return to Coventry and see everything else we have to offer as we build up to our year as UK City of Culture.”

The park is loved by people all around the city and region... but it has the potential to offer even more. Cllr Jim O’Boyle