AN ABANDONED UK theme park could soon be given a new lease of life after closing more than 20 years ago.
Ideas for the derelict site in the north west have been put forward, including leisure developments and a festival space.
Frontierland in Morecambe closed its doors in 1997 after first opening in 1906 and has also been known as Fun City and West End Amusement Park during its history.
In its heyday, the wild west themed attraction had rides like the Wild Mouse, the Rattler, Noah’s Ark, Stampede and a log flume.
The Sky Ride was another popular ride that had a cable car system that allowed park-goers to fly over the rest of the park and the town’s promenade.
Very little of the theme park remains today, but the land still hasn’t been developed since its closure.
While planning permission was previously granted to several different projects for the site on Morecambe’s seafront, both subsequently expired, leading Lancaster City Council buying the land in 2021.
They later invited interested parties and members of the public to submit plans or ideas for the site.
Eight proposals were received for the 7.5 acre plot of land.
The authority now wants to appoint a development partner to work on “leisure-led ideas” for the derelict theme park.
A board comprising of senior councillors has been put together to work through the submitted ideas and work out which ones will best benefit the local economy.
The council has suggested what the space could be used for, with leisure uses potentially including hotels, swimming pools and music halls.
Public spaces for outdoor leisure, including eating and drinking and festival and events are also being considered, according to Lancaster Guardian.
Councillor Phillip Black, leader of Lancaster City Council, told them: “I’d urge everyone to get involved, tell us what they think about the objectives we’ve drafted, and help us to shape this important project.”
The theme park’s redevelopment isn’t the only thing in the pipeline for Morecambe, with a huge £100m attraction also being planned for the near future.
They town is also due to benefit from the arrival of the second incarnation of the Eden Project.
Originally named Eden Project North, developers hope it can replicate the success of the Eden Project in Cornwall, which opened in 2001.
Construction is set to start on the site next year, with four huge “shell-like” domes surrounded by outdoor gardens planned for the project.
Once completed, there will be a “hyper-real forest” with large installations and immersive theatre, a ‘Bay Glade’ with a well-being landscape and a Natural Observatory for research and education.
The Eden Project website states: “Eden Project Morecambe will be a destination that combines indoor and outdoor experiences, connecting people with the internationally-significant natural environment of Morecambe Bay while also enhancing wellbeing.
“Eden Project Morecambe will combine exhibits, performance, learning, play, immersive experiences, world-class horticulture, live music, art, food, beverage and retail spaces, all integrated as essential parts of the overall experience.”
Meanwhile, this seaside town in England has sandy beaches, donkey rides and the best B&B in the world.
And this popular holiday location is also getting a huge new tourist attraction.