EVESHAM will play host to the only Diggerland adventure theme park in the Midlands as part of a multi-million pound revamp of the town’s country park.
The popular venue will now be known as ‘The Valley’ following the revamp which was revealed on Wednesday (April 22) and saw bosses confirm the arrival of high profile retailers Mountain Warehouse and Heavenly Feet this summer.
Cotton Traders will also relocate to the 30,000 sq feet of expanded retail units and bosses revealed they were in detailed discussions with more retailers about opening their doors on the site.
The Valley will also play host to Diggerland, a unique family adventure theme park where children and adults can ride, drive and operate real full size construction machinery.
From 2016, Evesham will boast the only Diggerland in the Midlands as the theme park currently only has sites in Kent, Durham, Devon and Yorkshire.
Mountain Warehouse and Heavenly Feet will be the first of many to join the new shopping village in the coming months, alongside an array of new food and drink outlets.
And Valley bosses revealed a further expansion will see another 36,000 sq feet of retail units built as well as an
ambitious range of outdoor adventure zones including purpose built cycle paths, zip wires and outdoor and indoor climbing walls.
Spencer Gower, Eagle One Asset Manager, said: “The country park is a hugely popular visitor attraction in the area drawing some 1.4 million people each year; many visitors are highly loyal and travel for over an hour to reach this
destination.
“We wanted to create a new look and feel for the country park and make our brand synonymous with the joys of being outdoors and adventurous, but all in the context of a great retail and leisure space – providing a perfect place for all members of the family from the youngest to the oldest.” he added.
Speaking to the Observer about the Diggerland attraction Mr Gower said: “We’ve been talking to Diggerland for a number of months.”
“It will be the only Diggerland in the whole of the Midlands and I hope it will prove popular with local residents and of course with those from further afield.
Centre manager Maria Hughes told the Observer she was ‘really positive’ about the future for The Valley.
“I am absolutely delighted with the plans we have in place and it’s nice to see the hard work so far come to fruition.” she said.
Evesham Market Town Manager, Shawn Riley, said: “This a huge positive for The Valley and for the whole of Evesham.
“I truly believe The Valley and Diggerland will become an attraction that will bring people in from all over the region.
Visit www.thevalleyheart.co.uk or follow @thevalley_heart on Twitter for more information.
The masterplan of the how the site will be developed. (s)
