Get a closer look at £37 million theme park plans

REVISED plans for a £37 million children’s theme park in Rotherham will be shown at two consultation events.

The family behind Gulliver’s will reveal more details about its ideas for 250 acres next to Rother Valley Country Park.

The project was delayed and reduced in size after potential ground contamination was identified but a land deal with Rotherham Borough Council was agreed in May.

Events in Aston and Kiveton Park will give residents a taste of what is to be included in Gulliver’s Valley, the firm’s most ambitious tourist attraction to date.

Gulliver’s director Julie Dalton said: “Our Rother Valley development brings together the best elements of our existing three theme parks operating successfully at Matlock Bath, Warrington and Milton Keynes.

“As well as the theme park hub, aimed at children aged two to 13 and their families, we plan to develop the rest of the Rother Valley site to create a ‘whole park’ feel, with nature trails, walks, outdoor gyms and woodland runs.

“At the first stage of consultation over a thousand local people gave us their views on what they would like to see incorporated into the development.

“This latest consultation event gives them a further opportunity to comment on our plans.”

On Tuesday, August 2, the Gulliver’s team will be at Aston Library and Customer Service Centre from 2pm to 5.30pm and at Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Julie said: “The consultation events are a two-way process and as well as providing information, we’re keen to hear what people think about them and find out what they would like to see on the site.”

Dean Kimberley, Gulliver’s director of guests services, added: “We’re delivering leaflets with details to around 10,000 homes and placing public notices in the press to encourage people to come along.”

Residents will also be able to comment on the plans at gulliversvalley.co.uk or on the Gulliver’s Valley Facebook page.

The park is expected to bring more than 250 jobs - plus 120 during construction. Gulliver’s were the only bidder when RMBC put the land up for sale after pulling the plug on Visions of China in 2014.