Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP calls plans for a new theme park by Universal Studios in Bedford ‘a huge vote of confidence in the UK’.
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Camelot Theme Park was a medieval-themed amusement park located in northwest England
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An iconic British theme park is set to be transformed into hundreds of homes, 15 years after the site was closed and left to rot.
Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard has remained closed since 2012, after closing its doors after nearly three decades.
The site, which has since been used for immersive Halloween events and laser tag, will be converted into 350 homes.
A planning application, submitted by Story Homes, claims the Lancashire site will accommodate 50 per cent of its builds to affordable housing for local people.
An iconic British theme park is set to be transformed into hundreds of homes, 15 years after the site was closed and left to rot
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The homes would include a range of sizes for first-time buyers, families and older couples looking to downsize.
A community hub office and meeting spaces for groups are also in the proposals.
The plans claim the development would be a boost for local wildlife, achieving a ten per cent biodiversity net gain by restoring the natural water flow of the nearby Syd Brook.
Camelot Theme Park was a medieval-themed amusement park located in northwest England, drawing inspiration from the legend of King Arthur.
The homes would include a range of sizes for first-time buyers, families and older couples looking to downsize
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North West land manager for Story Homes, Siobhan Sweeney, said: "We are excited to bring forward plans for this significant development on a well-known local site.
"Our proposal not only addresses the strong demand for high-quality, affordable homes in Chorley, but also places emphasis on sustainability and community investment.
"Through the delivery of affordable homes, investment in green infrastructure, and the creation of new community spaces, we're committed to ensuring that this scheme supports local people and enhances the wider area."
During its peak years, Camelot ranked amongst the region's most popular tourist destinations, attracting more than half a million visitors annually.
The site featured various rides and entertainment based on the Arthurian legend, including the Knightmare roller coaster, whose structure remained standing until 2020.
Other popular rides were Excalibur 2, Dragon Flyer, Caterpillar Capers, The Galleon and Pendragon's Plunge.
After 29 years of operation, the park shut down, leaving more than 150 employees without work and marking the end of what had been a significant leisure attraction in the north west.
Live jousting performances took place in an arena, alongside magic shows as well as a children's television programme, Sooty & Co, filming an episode there in 1994.
The site has since been used for immersive Halloween events and laser tag
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Ownership changed hands multiple times, with Granada Group acquiring it in 1986 before a management buyout in 1998. By 2005, annual visitor numbers had fallen to 336,204.
The owners cited poor weather, the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee as factors in declining attendance.
In February 2009, Prime Resorts placed the park in receivership.
Story Group subsequently purchased the site and leased it to Knight's Leisure.
Plans to develop 420 homes on the land were rejected by Chorley Borough Council ten years ago.