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06
Jan
New rides promised as Lightwater Valley acquisition confirmed
The owners of a theme park near Ripon have pledged to put it "back on the map" after recently acquiring the site.
The Stray Ferret last month reported Nottingham-based Mellors Group, whose portfolio includes Fantasy Island Theme Park near Skegness and Skegness Pier, was rumoured to have bought Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park but the company declined to comment at the time.
It came after the theme park at North Stainley was listed as “under offer” on Rightmove.
But Mellors Group today (January 6) confirmed it has taken over Lightwater Valley from Brighton Pier.
In a statement on the acquisition, Mellors Group promised to bring “new life, new energy and significant new investment to the beloved adventure park”.
It pledged to do so by unveiling new rides and attractions this year, and by broadening its age appeal.
Brighton Pier decided to focus on under-12s a few years ago.
Mellors Group said:
While the park’s focus will continue to cater for younger families and guests under 12, Mellors Group aims to broaden the appeal for all ages, creating an experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
The company also said it will bring "extensive industry expertise" in operations, ride installations, engineering, guest experience and large-scale event management to Lightwater Valley, which will “strengthen its legacy while exciting a new generation of visitors”.
James Mellors, managing director of Mellors Group, added:
Lightwater Valley is a park with real heart, history, personality, and potential, and it’s a place our own family has loved since childhood. We’re incredibly proud to be taking on its future. Our goal is simple: to put the park back ‘on the map’ as a major theme park, by introducing new rides, injecting new energy, and creating something truly special for families for many years to come.
More details on the redevelopment and the new attractions will be released this year, Mellors Group said.
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