Plans scrapped to build £45m Adrenalin World and holiday park on Stanley Park Golf Course - but it's hoped a new site could be found

There has been huge opposition to the proposals, first unveiled in August 2019, to build 150 holiday lodges and an Adrenalin World including zip-wires on the east side of East Park Drive.

Rising costs have been partially blamed for the decision.

The 18-hole course, which had been due to be reduced to nine holes on the west side of the site, will continue to operate in its existing form for the time being.

Developer UKAP, the wholly owned subsidiary of Holmes Investment Properties Plc, and the council say the decision not to proceed followed "significant feasibility work".

It is hoped a new site could be found for the adventure park in the town on land already designated for commercial use.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Following the community consultation and listening work we have done with the developer, and in light of the current economic circumstances, we have now agreed that the project is not suitable for the site on East Park Drive. This project will create over 100 jobs and bring in tens of millions of investment and is still being considered for another location in Blackpool, one that will already have been designated for commercial use. We will continue to work together to protect this investment and job creation for the town.

"The main elements of design and relevant issues from the consultation can then be transferred to an alternative site so that we can benefit from the work done to date.”

The initial plans to develop the attraction on golf course land prompted an online petition to ‘Save Stanley Park golf course’ which attracted more than 8,000 supporters, with many people voicing their concerns about the loss of green spaces.

UKAP retain a lease of Stanley Park Golf Course and HIP will continue to operate the golf course through their operating subsidiary. Plans for the Family Golf Centre on the site are to be finalised in early 2023. The site will include a new Pod Range, short game practice area, redevelopment of the clubhouse and facilities to include a new retail store.

Michael Simmonds, CEO of Holmes Investment Properties Plc, said: “It is disappointing to have come to this decision after so much went into the project, however the 35 to 40 per cent increase in costs since 2020 make the project unviable. Blackpool, and the surrounding area, remains an important part of our roll out plan and we are pleased that our relationship with Blackpool Council and the community will continue as we work together to secure an alternative site to deliver this exciting venture to the area.

“The Family Golf Centre has always been an integral part of our plans and a direct benefit to Blackpool residents. The golf centre will enhance the offering at Stanley Park Golf Course, and we look forward to publishing those plans in the first quarter of 2023.”