Massive new extension for Torbay waterpark nears completion

One of Torbay's top tourist attractions is sailing into a new future and giving the English Riviera a massive boost and vote of confidence just in time for the main holiday season.

The Shipwreck Island, a giant, interactive aquaplay extension to the Splashdown Quaywest waterpark at Goodrington is nearing completion. after more than nine months in construction.

Built for children under 12 and their families, the seven slides, a massive tipping bucket and innumerable spray and splash features and a mini waterpark in its own right, Shipwreck Island is set to revolutionise the appeal of the top Devon attraction and is part of a £3 million expansion and redevelopment project at the Paignton site - with other improvements including a potential all-weather facility in the pipeline.

Construction also includes a massive new sun terrace area, reception buildings, and a completely refurbished catering unit which now serves both the beach and the waterpark.

Alan Richmond, Managing Director, Lemur Attractions, who operate the waterpark, said: "I cannot speak highly enough of our in-house team who have worked in all weathers, along with contractors, to get this project to completion, and we are so nearly there. It looks fantastic and we can’t wait to welcome people into this new part of the waterpark. We know that we have been missing an exciting element for our younger guests and we are absolutely sure they are going to love it.”

He added: "Splashdown Quaywest is due to re-open in May, the intention being to be ready for the first Bank Holiday weekend. However, we have a few things to finish that require a sustained period of dry weather and as you know March was one of the wettest on record, in Devon.

"We will be reliant on a spell of dry days to get us open as scheduled, but we remain optimistic. If we don’t, then it will be as soon as possible after that. I’d love to be able to give a definite date, but the good old British weather will always have the upper hand.  Our social media and website will have any updates, so keep glued to those for the opening date. 

"Following the success of last year'’s opening of the new three lane racer slide, 3 Fall, and now Shipwreck Island, Lemur Attractions, we are committed to providing more and more reasons to visit the English Riviera, this year and in the future." 

Splashdown Quaywest has been operated by Lemur Attractions since 2009. Following granting of a new lease in 2020, the aquaplay, Shipwreck Island, new slides and last year’s opening of a 60 seater Costa Coffee franchise store has seen an investment of £3million into the Goodrington Sands attraction, delivering real improvement to the facilities and appeal. 

The company says trading in the Costa Coffee store over the past 10 months has been brisk and well received, ensuring an uptick in footfall to the Goodrington resort area, a key aim of Lemur Attractions project from the start.  It says further attractions are planned for the future including an 'exciting all weather facility' and additional slides in the main waterpark.

It insists: " Day tickets are back and a variety of visit durations will be available to cater for as many people as possible.  A visit to Goodrington is most definitely back on the bucket (and spade) list!"

Lemur Attractions Ltd, is part of family-owned Lemur Attractions Group who also run Splashdown Waterpark in Poole and Lemur Landings Soft Play Centre, across all their attractions they see around 350k visitors each year.