Lakes centre takes shape (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lakes centre takes shape

WORK is well underway on the new £1.8 million gateway to the Cotswold Water Park.

The project, which will link the Water Park with the restoration of the Thames and Severn Canals, is due to open in November.

And will incorporate a visitor centre at the forefront of sustainable design and a 10,000 square ft outdoor leisure superstore.

The Cotswold Water Park is Britain's largest water park with 133 lakes covering 40 square miles on the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire border.

It receives more than half a million tourists each year and the figure is set to double with the introduction of improved visitor facilities and - subject to full planning permission - a four star hotel.

Acting chief executive Simon Pickering said: "The visitor centre could be regarded as a new dawn for the Water Park.

"Our vision is to create a sustainable tourist destination that will incorporate wildlife, leisure and relaxation, offering visitors from the UK and abroad a unique opportunity to experience all that the Cotswold Water Park and its surrounding villages have to offer."

Based on an energy efficient and sustainable design, its solar roof and heat pumps will recycle rainwater and create energy for the visitor centre.

It will include a tourist information point, an accommodation booking facility, an exhibition area, a cafe and gift shop.

Cotswold Water Park Society patron David Bellamy OBE said: "The Gateway Centre and its related developments will provide the centre piece to a miraculous project that has witnessed nature's incredible ability to heal the scars left by gravel extraction."

However some local residents have already expressed opposition to plans submitted by Four Pillars Hotel Group to build a 265 bedroom hotel.

Mr Pickering said: "Obviously there is lots of concern about any building development in the Water Park.

"However the hotel received outline planning permission several years ago.

"I think the impact on residents will be minimised by the sheer location of it."

He added: "Most holiday destinations put up hotels straight away.

"This will be the first hotel in the Water Park. It's interesting that its taken so long for something to evolve."