Next phase to begin on ski revamp

CHARLOTTE GREEN

GROUND is to be broken on the second phase of major redevelopment works at Ski Rossendale.

Work is due to get underway this month for the construction of a new reception, changing area, café and outside dining area at the Rawtenstall dry ski slope.

The new plans are part of an overall £630,000 pro- ject, funded by Sport England and supported by Rossendale council, which includes enhanced skiing facilities along with the new ski centre building.

The first stage of the development began in August last year with the installation of purposebuilt beginner, improver and family slopes, and was completed in November 2016.

Phase two, scheduled to begin in September, will see the construction of the purpose-built ski centre building, which will provide an improved café and catering offer for the public.

The centre, on Haslingden Old Road, which has been run as a social enterprise since 2011, will remain open as usual during the redevelopment.

Dave Fuller, director of Ski Rossendale, said: “The centre now attracts over 30,000 visitors every year who come here to get lessons and practice their skiing techniques.

“We also host corporate adventure and team building days and so it’s vital we have high quality facilities to give the public the best possible experience.”

Coun Andy MacNae, Rossendale council’s cabinet portfolio holder for regeneration, said the council is behind the works.

He said: “Ski Rossendale plays a vital part in attracting visitors from outside the borough into ●● Sue Foulkes, managing director at Ski Rossendale, Coun Andy MacNae, executive member for regeneration and Dave Fuller, director of Ski Rossendale on site Rossendale bringing with them revenue and helping to create jobs.

“The facility also further enhances Rossendale’s reputation as ‘Adrenaline Valley’, where families, groups and thrill seekers can come to try something new, learn new skills or just have fun. We are supportive of the continued development of the Ski Rossendale site.”

The third phase of development at the site will see it established as an all-weather reducedrisk training facility for year-round freestyle ski and snowboard jump training, including the construction of an access tower, two ramps or jumps and an airbag landing zone. It is hoped the centre will be a crucial practice hub for athletes ahead of the 2018 winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.