The owners of Funland on Hayling Island have submitted new plans to redevelop part of a site as a 55-home residential estate, in order to ensure the 80-year-old attraction remains “suitable for the 21st century.”
Funland amusement park on Hayling Island has submitted plans to Havant Borough Council to construct 55 new homes on the southern tip of the six acre site, in order to ensure the park can remain open “for many years to come.”
Speaking to The News, director Marshall Hill said the investment will make the 80-year-old attraction “suitable for the 21st century,” allowing the retirement of rides at the end of their life such as the Mine Train roller coaster and Jungle Splash water ride.
“It is important that we bring it all up to be suitable for the 21st century,” said Hill. “The really important thing to say is that we are not closing, and these plans will make sure that the site remains a key attraction on Hayling Island for many years to come.”
It’s a versatile idea, very much of 21st century thinking. Selling land for local homes and investing the funds into local entertainment. Both a commercial and community project.
“We are a family attraction and we will continue to have a range of rides and attractions for all of the family.”
Though the layout of the park will be updated to allow for the construction of the housing development, Hill said the arcade and adventure golf will remain, as well as popular rides such as the Helter Skelter, and food kiosks.
Events such as fireworks, Halloween and Winter Wonderland will also continue, as the park looks to mitigate the impact of the turbulent economic landscape.
“Like many family businesses, we face the challenges of rising costs and increasing pressures,” added Hill. “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but one we feel is necessary to secure the future of our family business and ensure Funland remains part of Hayling Island for years to come.”
Climbing that hill
Marshall Hill said… “Like many family businesses, we face the challenges of rising costs and increasing pressures.This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but one we feel is necessary to secure the future of our family business and ensure Funland remains part of Hayling Island for years to come…
