Trust to rescue of ski slope
SKI Rossendale is to be taken over by the borough’s leisure trust after hitting financial problems because of coronavirus.
The recent Rossendale full council meeting - conducted via Zoom - agreed to provide financial support for the transfer, although specifics of the meeting were held with public and press excluded.
Details of the move will now be finalised for the changeover to take place later this month for scheduled reopening in the Autumn.
Under proposals agreed by councillors, the Rawtenstall dry ski-slope will remain as a limited company and their staff will not transfer to the Rossendale Leisure Trust, which will own the company and be responsible for all aspects of its operation.
Coun Jackie Oakes, cabinet member for leisure, said: “The council and the trust appreciate it has become increasingly hard to keep the ski slope open and we want to do what we can to make sure that this brilliant facility is there for the people of Rossendale and for visitors. By supporting the potential takeover, the council are doing all we can to ensure our landmark facility not only remains open, but that they are able to develop and increase their activities and attract as many people as possible to The Hill.”
Conservative councillor Jimmy Eaton raised concerns, however, about the financial sense of the deal.
He said: “Ski Rossendale has had problems ever since The Chill Factore opened in Manchester. I think this is a mistake and we could be throwing good money after bad. I think it is past its sell-by date.”
But ward councillor Steve Hughes said it would be “a massive shame” to lose an iconic asset which is well known outside the borough.
He said: “We either don’t support it and it closes, or we try something new and it works. This is the fundamental choice for the council. What we have got now is an opportunity to really develop the ski slope, and bring it into our wider leisure package under the management of the leisure trust. The leisure trust has, in recent years, really shown that it can turn around assets and provide an innovative leisure offer. I’m really excited that Ski Rossendale is going to be a part of that. I think Rossendale is developing a bit of a brand around that Adrenaline Gateway and I think that wider leisure offer for us is unique to us.”
Dave Fuller, Ski Rossendale’s managing director, said: “I am delighted that through these difficult times we have been able to secure a positive future for Ski Rossendale. I am looking forward to further developing of Ski Rossendale as a great place for our customers to enjoy as part of the excellent wider leisure offering in Rossendale.”
Ken Masser, Rossendale Leisure Trust’s chief executive, said; “The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale, is an iconic local asset we believe has a bright future.”