People "can't wait" to go to Splash World after it was announced the leisure centre would be reopening.
Southport's iconic attraction will open to the public on Saturday, May 27 after being closed for almost four years. The leisure centre closed in December 2019 for a refurbishment that was only meant to last eight months. Problems grew for the council in October 2022, when contractors working on the refurbishment said they were facing "unforeseen challenges" to complete the work.
Water lovers young and old will be able to rediscover Splash World's exhilarating aquatic adventures, just in time for the expected bustling summer season. Splash World has been an important part of Southport since opening in 2009 and its return has been eagerly anticipated.
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Since the announcement, on the ECHO's Facebook page yesterday, the post has been flooded with likes and comments. One woman said: "Can't wait to take my daughter back, she's a good bit older now so she can enjoy it."
Emma Hill said: "Finally a water park close to home opening up again." Sean Edgar: "Reopening start of the half term. Used to be great for the kids."
Many commenters are excited to take their children to the waterpark for the half term, Adele Harvey said: "We should take the kids August half term." Annmarie Davies said: "We will have to take kids one time."
In May 2021, it was stated the closure had come as a result of “significant health and safety concerns stemming from failure in the pool tile surfaces”. Sefton Council had lodged a legal claim against Splash World’s original developers relating to “latent defects” at the facility after spending “several years” trying to resolve the issue informally. Splash World did reopen during the pandemic when it was used as a test centre.
Splash World offers a wide range of attractions, including thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and interactive play areas suitable for all ages. A spokesperson for Sefton Council said there is also a new online booking system, meaning families can reserve tickets in advance.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the public back to Splash World.
"Saturday’s reopening marks an exciting milestone for us, and we have taken every measure possible to once again provide an extremely enjoyable, safe experience for all visitors. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush on our exhilarating slides or a relaxing time in the lazy river, Splash World has something for everyone.
“Nobody could have foreseen the pandemic or that it would mean Splash World being closed for this length of time, but I know our teams did everything they could to ensure the venue was reopened as soon as possible.”
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