Green light for water park to splash out on £3million new look

The firm behind the UK’s biggest water park in Paignton has been given permission to 'splash out' and press on with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ £3 million upgrade.
New waterslides will be installed at Splashdown Quaywest along with an indoor play area and a climbing centre.
The reception area for the attraction at Goodrington will be relocated and a car park added. There will be a new arcade, cafe and kiosk building and landscaping.
Splashdown Quaywest is one of South Devon’s most important tourist businesses, and operators Lemur Attractions say the improvements will mean better facilities for young families.
The investment is also being seen as a massive shot in the arm and vote of confidence for the English Riviera.
Lemur signed a new long-term lease on the site last year, and will take three-to-five years to complete the revamp.
Managing director Alan Richmond said the investment would secure the future of the water park and leisure facilities for many years to come.
A new beach cafe and wet weather attractions will be among the developments. Areas including the old Peter Pan Play Park area beside the main flumes and the former go-kart track will be redeveloped.
Mr Richmond said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the development of Goodrington Sands and Splashdown Quaywest water park, which we firmly believe will have many positive impacts for the wider economy of the English Riviera, and help ensure that it remains a leading destination in the UK. It is very exciting, and we can’t wait to get going.”
The water park was originally built in the late 1980s, and is the largest outdoor water park in the UK.
Local people supported the application when it came to Torbay Council’s planning committee, with one saying it would improve ‘tired’ and ‘redundant’ parts of the site.