| PRESS INFORMATION
SnOasis
SnOasis gets the go-ahead bringing an avalanche of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts at all levels.
Following government approval, work on the world's first indoor winter sports resort will now commence bringing enormous benefits to winter sports enthusiasts, talented athletes and the aspiring young stars of the future. The core of the development has been specifically designed to become the country's centre of excellence for athletes preparing for major events including the Olympics. As well as Europe's largest indoor ski slope the coaching, training facilities and accommodation will be set at a standard to match, if not surpass, the best in the world. Altogether 14 different winter sports disciplines will be brought together in one venue for the first time in the UK.
As the SnOasis complex is only 60 minutes by train from Stratford it is also perfectly situated to become an ideal training facility for teams taking part in the 2012 London Olympics.
Costing an estimated £350 million the privately funded development will be
deemed a "Super Site" by the construction industry, meaning this aspect alone will make it of international importance. Locally, a package of benefits costing £29 million will be put in place covering a wide range of projects including: the planting of 130,000 trees, a 40 acre ecological mitigation area, improvements to the intersection of the A12 and A14, skills and training initiatives, plus a main line Railway Station linking to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour. The full impact of the economic benefits will only be truly understood once the project is underway.
During the construction phase it is expected that 3,500 jobs will be created. When complete, a further 1,800 full-time equivalent jobs will be provided, many of which will be related to winter sports. These new employment opportunities will stimulate the local economy through spending in shops, the need for accommodation increasing demand and prices, and the sourcing of supplies from businesses within the region. As far as possible contracts will be awarded to local companies further strengthening the projects benefit to the economy.
On completion, SnOasis will provide the UK with the ultimate winter sports resort, and the world with a totally new holiday and sports concept. Covering 350 acres, the family themed resort will feature recreational activities encompassing winter sports of all kinds plus an extensive array of other sports. Also, working with several educational establishments plans are underway to develop strategies aimed at educating students at all levels in disciplines related to the project.
Godfrey Spanner, Managing Director of Onslow Suffolk, the developer of the scheme said: "My nightmare is over, now my dream can begin. We have been working on this project for six years, with costs running into many millions. At last, SnOasis will become a reality to the benefit of Ipswich, Suffolk, East Anglia, the country, and of course, all of our hopes for greater success at major winter sports competitions."
He continued: "It's now time to move forward, just think, we will now be able to hold major international winter sports events in the UK, many for the first time. Also, we will give the 4 million winter sports enthusiasts, our athletes and the Ski industry in general a truly national focus. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Olympic Association, past Sports Ministers, Tourism bodies and all who supported us throughout the planning process for their help."
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SnOasis
NOTES FOR THE EDITOR
The following elements are included within the SnOasis plan. However, as the project develops more may be added.
Winter Sports
Europe's largest indoor ski slope, 415m long, 70m wide, with a 100m vertical drop to international standard. Capacity for 2,400 skiers
Nursery slope 100m long by 30m wide with 6-degree pitch
External Ice Rink 60m by 30m with 1,500 spectator seats
400m Speed Skating track
100m dry Bobsleigh push start track
16m Ice Climbing Wall
1.5km Cross-country ski run
General Sport
Multi purpose sports hall
Health and fitness centre
Triathlon course
Outdoor sports pitches
1.5km Rollerblading track
Swimming pool
10-Pin Bowling (20 lanes)
Tennis
Rowing
Windsurfing
Sailing
Canoeing
Fishing
Education, Entertainment and Accommodation
National Winter Sports Academy with 200-bed hostel
Medical room with first aid facilities
350 room four star hotel and conference centre, capacity for 1,000 delegates
100 one and two bedroomed apartments
350 self-catering holiday village style 4, 6, 8, bed ski lodges
Convenience store
Bank
Post Office
Nightclub
Fun ride based on a toboggan/bobsleigh theme
17 bars and restaurants
"Try & Buy" sports retail
Saunas & Steam Rooms
Lifestyle retail
Exhibition facilities
Crche
Skate Park
Entertainment Dome
Ice Museum
Country Club
For press information please contact Jim Carroll on:
Tel: 01473 831323
Mobile: 07879 423584
E-mail: jim.carroll@awcweb.com
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