Viking invaders set to drive seafront revamp
AVIKING-THEMED pub and mini golf attraction will soon open as the first step of a major investment at Southport Pleasureland.
Owner Norman Wallis is set to embark on a multi-million pound redevelopment of the seafront theme park after finally receiving a longterm lease for the site.
The first step of that project, which could eventually see a hotel and arena for indoor entertainment built, has now been revealed and will see the new attractions spread outside the main gates onto land currently used as a car park.
The Viking-themed development is designed to tie in to the area’s heritage and will see an 18 hole mini golf course created next to a pub and restaurant styled on a traditional Longhouse.
That venue will feature a circular fireplace feature in the centre, while there will also be a barbecue area and outdoor terrace overlooking the mini golf.
The golf course will be split into four zones: Boatyard, Marsh, Village Life and Market Place and the application details how each hole is themed on Norse mythology and local history.
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council and states: “The proposal is to create a small scale visitor experience immediately adjacent to Pleasureland and owned and managed by them. It will enhance the visitor experience and provide an additional offer for the key leisure based activity for the town.”
Mr Wallis took over a then derelict and vandalhit site 13 years ago and has since operated on a series of short team leases from Sefton Council. He has long argued that Southport could be the UK’s most popular seaside attraction and believes Pleasureland will play a major role in that.
His ambitions were given a major boost with the awarding of a 50 year lease for the councilowned land in a deal which includes an option for a further 50 years.
He was also given similar deals to run the Lakeside Miniature Railway and the former pitch and putt site which has reopened as a footgolf course.
Announcing the agreement in January, Sefton Council said the new leases would “facilitate sizeable investment”, resulting in the transformation of the seafront.
It is intended to trigger a multi-million pound transformation of the site and create up to 1,000 jobs, providing a £25m boost to the local economy each year.
A report prepared for the council’s cabinet stated: “The grant of the long-term lease enables the lessee to invest in the facilities and premises.
“This and other leases for adjacent sites will facilitate sizeable investment by the lessee across Southport seafront that are either presently unused or requiring transformation.
“The Southport Pleasureland site offers substantial opportunity for investment, and the secured lease will support continued discussions regarding that opportunity. The lease will lead to investment in new yearround attractions that will strengthen the town’s tourism offer and support an increase from dwell time to stay length by visitors.”
Speaking in January, Mr Wallis said: “We are delighted to have the council on board and see this as a first step in a very real programme of work to add a new dimension to the Northern Powerhouse landscape.
“Tourism is one of the areas where the UK performs most strongly, and the nature of its appeal is largely around things to see and do.
“Britain is rich in heritage, beautiful landscape, historic buildings and vibrant culture.
“We are set to bring to market a large-scale portfolio (a series of complimentary attractions organised around a highprofile park at its centre) families attraction that will significantly enhance this area’s cachet.”