Merlin wins Sandcastle Waterpark tender

Blackpool Council has selected Merlin Entertainments to manage Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK's largest indoor waterpark.

Merlin will take over the day-to-day operation of the Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool with effect from September. The management contract is provisionally for a two-year period.

The venue will join Merlin’s seven other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds Blackpool and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

It also follows Merlin's £1m launch of its Peter Rabbit Explore & Play children's venue.

Coun Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: "The Sandcastle Waterpark is one of the council’s big success stories. Over the years, it has received significant investment to enable it to retain and grow its immense popularity with visitors and residents alike. On the national stage it is viewed as an exemplar attraction in terms of its accessibility for people with a disability.

“We have an established relationship with Merlin Entertainments in terms of operating some of our key tourism assets and we are confident that this appointment will take the Sandcastle Waterpark on to the next level.”

Kate Shane, regional director for Merlin Entertainments, said: “We are thrilled to be adding the UK’s largest indoor waterpark to our Blackpool portfolio. With eight top attractions already in Blackpool, we’re excited to put on our armbands and add a ninth to our guest offering.

“We firmly support Blackpool’s ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and this partnership is another step forward in delivering this vision.”