A huge new water and adventure park is opening just an hour from Manchester

A massive new water and adventure park is opening not far from Manchester, offering the promise of a perfect day out for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Called Phoenix Park, it is set to take over the former Trax Motorsport Ltd site on the edge of the Ribble Valley close to Preston Marina, building on the site’s 20+ year history of working with young people to combat antisocial behaviour.

Promising everything from canoeing to stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and water-skiing, planning documents for the new park show plans to introduce a “leisure lake”, dry ski slope, and mountain biking track.

Taking over a third of the 33-hectare plot, the second phase of Phoenix Park blueprint plans have now been approved by the council.

The site, which has traditionally always been centred around motocross and go-karting, is now set to undergo a new lease of life with thirteen lodges also set to be built on the lakeside and used as ‘transitional accommodation’ for young people over the age of 16 who are using its educational facilities.

It will also be home to a new cafe, shop, and four-storey education centre in the building formerly known as the Pioneer Tec Building.

The adventure and water park is currently in its second phase of development, with future plans set to include a climbing wall, high ropes course and a 4G football pitch — all subject to planning, of course.

This sounds absolutely mint.

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Other ideas for the site include a nature trail and some brand-new walking and cycling routes, as well as a possible extension to the nearby Ribble Steam Railway.

Originally formed in December 2000, Trax Motorsport Ltd was formed by Eddie Sloane to help local authorities combat the illegal riding of motorcycles on public land as well as other antisocial behaviour.

The site has a legacy of being a haven for safely-managed motorsports, located on land previously known as Preston Dockland, and continues to be a popular hang-out for young people.

Looking forward to this one.

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Featured Image – MCK Commercial Design