An opportunity for an individual or businesses to create and manage a recreational activity centre on the site of a former quarry has been launched.
South Barrule quarry borders a popular plantation that is already home to several well-established leisure businesses including Ape Mann, Laser Mayhem and Segway.
The site covers around 13 hectares, which is about the size of 18 football pitches, and includes a variety of terrain on the eastern slope of South Barrule hill.
A Prior Information Notice invites interested parties to submit a brief summary of their experience, outline their vision for the development of recreational activity centre and their capability to run it.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘We are excited by the opportunity and look forward to see the ideas that come forward that will further enhance this popular location.
‘At this stage we welcome all ideas that will enable for visitors to engage in physical activity whilst being immersed in nature.’
Proposed ideas may include the requirement for planning permission and any idea would have to be sensitive to the environment in which it will sit.
South Barrule plantation, which a popular location for mountain bike riders and walkers, has recently been identified for further development, subject to planning permission, for 40 glamping pods and a visitor centre.
Expressions of interest must be received by the 21 December and depending on the applications received an invitation to tender may follow.
