New aqua park to boost seaside town

A new aqua park is set to create jobs, attract visitors and boost the economy in a North Wales seaside town.Sblash in Penmaenmawr has been given the green light by Conwy’s planning authority.Owners James and Debbie McAllister are transforming Graiglwyd Springs Fishery into an inflatable water attraction.It will employ up to seven additional staff from May to October each year.Parking, changing facilities, hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream are also included in the proposals for the seven-acre site.James McAllister said: “The fishery continues to be successful, but we wanted to make this site a more sustainable year-round enterprise, which is why we have diversified.”Sblash will be perfect for families, school groups, parties, team building, and anyone wanting to get active and have fun! We already attract people from all over the UK and this will give us another USP to create a buzz in the area.”The wild water adventure will include the towering 3.8m Mount Rainier, slides and a range of obstacles, floating trampolines, a freefall experience and the Waverider.Sblash will open to the public on 18 May.Debbie McAllister added: “James and I have been in the sector for many years, and this is one of the most impressive developments we’ve created during that time.”We look forward to bringing something fresh and new to North Wales, an attraction that will capitalise on the incredible landscape and nature with a focus on health and wellbeing, exercise and enjoyment – we look forward to welcoming people soon.”The existing fly-fishing business will be open from October for the remaining months of the year as it is seasonal. Future proposals for the park include glamping pods and cold-water therapy retreats.