£31/2m expansion creates 80 jobs
The renovation of a family adventure park will create 80 jobs after the brothers who own it invested £31/2m in improvements.
Mr Mike Bendall, Mr Chris Bendall, and Mr Phil Bendall bought Wonderland Pleasure Park, Farnsfield, in September 2007.
The brothers, who own two other adventure parks, have already invested £2m in the site, which has been renamed Wheelgate Park.
The latest attraction has cost £11/2m to build and will be opened next month.
The new building is an Egyptian-themed indoor play facility called Pharaohs Funderdrome that has been designed to offer play equipment for children of all ages.
The 16,000 square-foot indoor play zone will be the largest of its kind in the UK.
It will contain equipment including slides, swings, secret mazes, ball pools, roller waves and rope bridges.
It will also have a specially designed, interactive, toddlers’ zone and a cafe.
Other attractions added to the park include a farm, falconry centre, bumper boats, a mini-mining village, and a commando assault course.
Mr Phil Bendall said: “We want families to enjoy a day out at our parks whatever the weather. We have already invested heavily in the outdoor attractions and the indoor facility enables families to maximise their day.
“The family focus is paramount to us. We are constantly collecting data from visitors to ensure we offer the best family day out.
“This is our most exciting project yet and we are looking forward to a busy year.
“As with all of our parks, we intend to listen to our customers and develop Wheelgate with them in mind.”
The proposals have been supported by Farnsfield and Bilsthorpe parish councils and the area’s Newark and Sherwood District councillors.
District councillor Mrs Nora Armstrong said: “Wheelgate is a great attraction. The planning application for the new building has my full support.
“It is great for the district and offers local families the ability to partake in a family day out in inclement weather and still enjoy themselves. Backing the planning application was a worthwhile and necessary exercise.”
Pharaohs Funderdrome will be officially opened on July 18.
