SnOasis

SnOasis is a planned development that may become the world's largest indoor winter sports resort. Construction has not yet begun, but planning permission has been granted and funding secured.

Planned development

SnOasis is a planned development in Great Blakenham near Ipswich, Suffolk. Great Blakenham is approximately 80 miles north of London. The site is a former Blue Circle cement works and quarry, which is now partly restored farmland and chalk grassland. The ski slope will extend 242 feet above the skyline and a proportion of the site is in a Special Landscape Area [http://www.midsuffolkdc.gov.uk/maps/?view=DEFAULT&sx=500&sy=400&px=610378&py=250130&r=1664&changelayer=lp99sssi&layerstate=0] .

It is claimed that, when completed, this will be the largest indoor ski slope (with real snow) in the world. The slope will be 100 metres high, 500 metres long and accommodate some 2000 skiers an hour. However, there are several higher slopes, including one at Neuss, Germany.Fact|date=May 2007

Local planning permission for the project was granted on 21 April 2006. A public inquiry was announced on 26 July 2006 [cite news|url=http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=znews&itemid=IPED25%20Jul%202006%2021%3A10%3A37%3A570|title=SnOasis plans face public inquiry|date=26 July 2006] which upheld the decision, subject to conditions [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/7389668.stm|title= Go-ahead for £350m snow dome plan|date=8 May 2008] . A final decision will be made by the Secretary of State by 17 September 2008 as to whether the conditions have been met.

The project developers are Onslow Suffolk Ltd. The project has a budget of £350 million and has secured the necessary financial backing for it to become a reality. The project is expected to create around 2000 new jobs in the local area. There is a separate proposal to build 537 new homes adjacent to the site, although this is yet to be finalised.

Concern has been expressed by some local members of the public over potential traffic congestion, increased crime and damage to the environment and local surroundings. Part of the site has been designated a County Wildlife Site by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and there are some protected newts and badgers that will need to be relocated. A proposed waste incinerator on adjacent land is also cited as a concern.

Features

The centre will boast indoor and outdoor activities to suit a range of age groups. These include a 9-hole golf course, 350 bed 4 star hotel, four screen cinema and lakes for fishing & watersports.

The concept illustrations are credited to [http://www.smithdimes.co.uk Steve Dimes & Gareth Hughes] .

Winter sports

* One of the world's largest indoor ski slope: 500m long with 100m vertical drop - virtually International competition standard.
* Nursery Slope 100m long with a 9m vertical drop
* External Ice Rink
* Full length 100m drop dry run bobsleigh track
* Cross coutry ski run
* Speed Skating / ice track
* 16m Ice Climbing Wall & 50m Ice Wall

General sports

* Nine-hole golf course
* Multi purpose sports hall
* Health and Fitness Centre
* Outdoor sports pitches
* Roller blade track
* Rock Climbing Wall

References

External links

* [http://www.snoasis.co.uk Official SnOasis Site]
* [http://www.snoasislocation.com Satalite view with plan overlaid]
* [http://www.smithdimes.co.uk Smith Dimes website] - provided the architectural illustrations on this page
* [http://www.snoasis.co.uk/snoasis/?q=press_media Press Releases & Publications]
* [http://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/Planning+and+Building+Information/Snoasis/ Mid Suffolk District Council Planning site]
* [http://www.snoasisconcern.com Snoasis Concern] - pressure group opposed to the SnOasis development
* [http://www.easf.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Snoasis_investigation SnOasis investigation] - an early investigative piece into concerns about the project
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/dont_miss/snoasis/snoasis.shtml BBC Suffolk] - opinions on the project.