The latest pictures of what the complex will look like

Further funds needed for dome

Report by Charlotte Richardson , chief reporter Friday, May 4, 2012
12:00 PM

MAJOR plans to create a giant leisure dome on the outskirts of Weston will need further outside investment before they can progress.

Leisuredome UK, which is behind the exciting proposals, says it is in talks about finding further funding.

However, it has responded to rumours the project could be in trouble by insisting everything is well on track.

A spokesman for the firm says OpalTec International has provided the initial investment, which has brought the project to where it is today.

But they say that ‘as with all developments of this nature’ it is seeking additional investment and ‘talks are progressing’.

The Mercury revealed last month how five new businesses have signed up to be a part of the £50million Leisuredome development.

Clothing retailers Ellis Brigham and Tog 24 have joined AngelBerry, Avalon Leisure and Tiny Tearawayz in signing up. The five firms are set to join international food giants Subway, Butcombe Brewery and SoHo Coffee at the former RAF Locking site.

Local businessman Clive Hamilton-Davies, who is behind the project and director of OpalTec International, has admitted the process of getting retailers to sign up had proved trickier than he first envisaged.

He added this week: “Leisuredome is a huge project.

“We are working to source the additional investment required and we cannot give out specific details as we’re currently in negotiation with interested parties, which are progressing well.

“We will not be in a position to announce more detail until a deal has been reached. Our focus is on making it happen, not on any other outcome.”

The multi-million pound complex, due to be completed by the end of next year, is due to include a 210-metre ski slope.

A ‘simulated ice rink’, a laser game area, an activity zone and a soft play area will also be built, alongside the country’s largest indoor ski slope and what is believed to be the world’s biggest indoor climbing wall.

4 comments

Also watch out... Cause it would'nt surprise me if Steve Lansdown got involved and said to them, ''hang fire on those wasters down there, come in with me alongside the New Stadium when it gets the go ahead in South West Bristol''

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TrueWestonian

Friday, May 4, 2012
Possibly its because Leisuredome and those to support the project can actually see that NSC are not putting any infrastructure in to support the project, and, as a result of recent action around projects like the Trop, Parking etc, they can see that what they are up against in Ap Rees etc is a bunch of 2nd rate no hopers, intent on building their own importance only. All they have done recently is waste money on the likes of buying or upgrading their own workplaces!

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TrueWestonian

Friday, May 4, 2012
We simply do not have the highway infrastructure to support this ill-conceived project - fully understand why investors are wary, not to mention that we are officially in a recession. NSCC now have an opportunity to re-examine this application as to location etc - cannot see earth being broken now for a number of years.

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Mukiwa

Friday, May 4, 2012
Oh great, another pie-in-the-sky development opportunity. Finally something decent is supposed to be being built in Weston and it turns out they don't even have the money for it.

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weston41

Friday, May 4, 2012