PLANS to build a £10-million real snow ski slope and leisure complex in St Helens - only the second of its kind in Europe - have been unveiled.

If approved, the company say the 'Snowdome' would open late next year.

The development, by First Leisure Corporation plc, would create 150 jobs which would be recruited locally. Training and development would be provided. During construction there would be other temporary positions and, where possible, First Leisure will seek to use local contractors to carry out the work.

The 'Snowdome' would give skiers of all abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to ski on real snow throughout the year - whatever the temperature outside. The only other centre of this type in Europe is at Tamworth in the West Midlands and there are only four others in the world.

Says council leader Dave Watts: "If the development is approved it will be yet another success in the growing attraction of this borough for major companies who see St Helens as a premier location.

"The council has worked hard to market the area as an attractive location for investment and that hard work is paying dividends in the shape of more companies and more jobs being created."

First Leisure believe that the four-acre site on the East Lancs Road, at the junction with Piele Road, Haydock, represents an ideal opportunity to develop the facility.

It would include the 'Snowdome' itself which would be divided into two areas, one warm and one cold. The cold area will comprise a175-metre real snow ski slope together with a separate nursery slope. Travelators will carry skiers to the top of the slopes.

The travelators themselves are a major feat of engineering with experts from Canada and Australia involved in the design.

The warm area of the building would house a ground-floor reception and substantial ski and snowboarding shop.

Beyond the reception will be the booting-up and changing area leading directly on to the slopes. Above these facilities, bar and restaurant areas are to be provided which will enjoy views over the ski academy and the full length of the main ski slope.

Facilities will be provided to enable disabled people to use the centre, there will be car parking for 200 cars, and further developments would include a small hotel and other associated facilities.

In the outline planning application submitted to St Helens Council, the company give priority to environmental considerations and have carried out traffic and noise assessments for minimum impact on residents.

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