Camelot's Rosy Future?

[porterm]

Hi all

Just wanted to post this positive news regarding this North West theme park in these rather uncertain times. I visited it twice this year, and as you'll see from my post added to their website, I managed to get my inaugural ride on their Knightmare coaster added a couple of years back.

See http://www.banmoco.co.uk/camelot-theme- ... son-19250/


Martin

[EAS]

Story eyeing homes on Camelot theme park site
By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 12:36, Saturday, 05 September 2009


Camelot theme park is enjoying a fun-packed reprieve – thanks to Carlisle construction magnate Fred Story.

The troubled park, off the M6 at Charnock Richard, Lancashire was in receivership but has now been saved after a multi-million pound takeover by The Story Group.

Mr Story’s ultimate aims is to transform the brownfield site into a major new housing development.

But before that can happen, planners will have to pore over the details of any proposed planning proposals and the implications.

Mr Story said that this “due diligence” stage in preparing the scheme was likely to take some time to complete before visible progress can be made.

In the meantime, to the delight of Camelot’s fans, the theme park has reopened.

It has been leased to the recently-formed Knights Leisure, securing 15 full-time and 150 seasonal jobs.

Though Mr Story has stressed that the reopening of the park is an interim measure – probably for about three years – the former Carlisle United owner said yesterday he was pleased that it can continue to operate.

The park Camelot went into receivership in February but reopened in May after the Story Group buyout.

The site includes numerous attractions, including the country’s only permanent open-air Jousting Arena, with undercover seating.

There are also numerous white-knuckle rides, many with a Camelot theme.

First published at 09:04, Saturday, 05 September 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I don't think it's a permanent reprieve.

Story Group acquire Camelot theme park

http://www.storygroup.co.uk/news/34-new ... -park.html

April 2009

Story Group, based in Carlisle, are pleased to confirm that they have completed the purchase of the site known as 'Camelot Theme Park', Charnock Richard, Chorley.

Owner and Chief Executive Fred Story said that he believed the brown field site was ideally placed for a residential led mixed use development and would be entering into a dialogue with Chorley Borough Council to agree the development potential of the site.

Story Group have agreed to lease the park to Knights Leisure which is headed up by Roy Page, the former Chief Executive and Mark Leader, the former Operations Director of Camelot's previous owners, Prime Resorts. This agreement will enable the park to resume its operations in the short term allowing it to continue its role as a tourist attraction for the region and securing up to15 full time jobs and 150 seasonal jobs in the area.

Fred Story stated "The decision to open the park was not an easy one. We are having to make a substantial investment in Knights Leisure to facilitate the re-launch of the park.

It is evident, as recently demonstrated by the park going into receivership, that unfortunately the financial performance of the park can by no means be guaranteed. This is a significant risk and represents a major investment in the area.

The re-opening of the park is however an interim measure until we secure planning permission for an alternative use. I look forward to meeting with local Councillors and Chorley Borough Council to discuss proposals for the future use of the site."

The acquisition of this site, along with the recent opening of a Preston office, is a clear sign of Story Group's intentions to grow via the acquisition of strategic land and major development sites in Cumbria, the North of England, central and southern Scotland.

Fred added "Story Group has been built on solid foundations, having experienced strong, yet sustainable growth for over twenty years and we have a very strong future. Although times are generally tougher in the construction industry at present we are still holding our own and housing sales remain steady. The strength of our Group allows us to take advantage of opportunities when they arise and we are aggressively pursuing land acquisitions throughout Scotland and the north of England."

Story Group has been established since 1987 and last year won the Daily Mail UK Property Award for Best Housing Development in Cumbria (Turnstone Park) and the Daily Mail UK Property Award for Best Housing Development in Dumfries and Galloway (Summerpark).

Fred Story is the former owner of Carlisle United and his four year tenure of the club saw them rise from the Conference League in 2003 to the play-off semi-finals against Leeds United in League 1 in 2008.

[porterm]

I know there's another underlying agenda regarding this park's long-term future, however I just wanted to promote some feelgood news in these times of often only rather depressing news stories. I also think that one has to edge away from the stark realities every now and then (after all aren't amusement/theme parks generally promoted as escapism destinations?)

I think we should all be able to revel in Camelot's current gate number achievements in what must have surely been a rather traumatic year for them. I'm just pleased that my friends' children managed to see the place before it might have been too late.

It this was a Stateside story I'm quite sure they'd be parading around with "Coasters not condos" placards. (If it comes to it maybe I'll be first in line there!) Sadly the aforementioned did not save the day for the historic Whalom Park in the USA a few years ago.

Martin