Barton Grange reveals plans for £6m leisure development

Barton Grange bosses have unveiled plans for a new £6m multi-use leisure development at their garden centre.

It is predicted that the project, which would see the opening of only the second curling rink in England, a cinema, luxury tenpin bowling facility and indoor and outdoor crazy golf courses, would create 80 new jobs at the site in Brock, near Preston.

The proposed Flower Bowl would offer what is described as “premium entertainment and dining facilities” at the Garstang Road site. In addition to the curling rink with four ice sheets, a diner-style restaurant, a fish and chip restaurant and an ice cream and coffee shop are proposed.

There would also be a shop for the purchase and hire of kayaks for use on the neighbouring Lancaster Canal.

The plans are being presented to Wyre Council today with a view to submitting a full planning application in December.

The Flower Bowl would be a single-storey building with a grass roof, which might eventually have sheep grazing on it.

Guy Topping, MD of Barton Grange Garden Centre, said: “This is a major new development for us which we believe will bring much needed entertainment and leisure facilities to the area. The emphasis is on quality, premium facilities throughout.”

If permission is granted it is hoped work will begin in late 2015, with the development opening to the public in 2017.

It is also hoped to develop a centre of excellence for the sport of curling which could produce future Olympic competitors.

Source : Lancashire Evening Post
www.lep.co.uk/news/barton-grange-multi-million-pound-leisure-complex-plans-are-unveiled-1-6936779