A NEW pirate ship hotel could be built at Gulliver’s World.

The theme park has applied for planning permission from Warrington Borough Council in order to create a 71-bedroom hotel and leisure resort on the Westbrook site.

Known as the Wilderness Wharf, the development will offer family accommodation in hotel themed around a pirate ship and a fairy tale castle.

Warrington Guardian:

Plans include a pirate ship-shaped hotel

A number of holiday lodges will be set within a ‘bespoke landscaped area’, while the new resort will also boast a café, craft centre, children’s indoor play centre and creche.

Warrington Guardian:

How the holiday lodges could look

The extension has been planned to coincide with Gulliver’s World’s 30th birthday – while the company, which also operate theme parks in Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath, has been in business for 40 years.

Julie Dalton, managing director at Gulliver’s, said: “This is our 40th year in business and we are proud to be celebrating our 30th year in Warrington.

“We have worked closely with the local community and businesses to ensure that we are an important part of the Warrington infrastructure.

“The proposals will help us continue to deliver quality leisure breaks and entertainment as the UK holiday market changes and grows by providing quality, family-friendly accommodation that suits a variety of budgets and tastes.”

Warrington Guardian:

Gulliver’s estimates that the proposal will create 40 jobs in management, marketing, maintenance, housekeeping and gardening roles and that the scheme will add £6million to the town’s economy.

Planning consultancy County Planning Ltd has submitted the application for planning permission – which follows a public consultation held in October – on behalf of Gulliver’s World.

Managing director Dan Matthewman added: “Gulliver’s are paving the way for the family staycation, offering themed attractions and entertainment to families with younger children who want to stay in the UK for their holidays and minibreaks.

“The Wilderness Wharf development is an overhaul of plans approved in 2007 and will complement the existing theme park, as well as stimulating the local economy by more than £6million and providing over 40 local jobs."

This original planning permission was granted following an appeal by Gulliver's to the Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Matthewman added: “The plans capture the imagination of visitors and will enhance this important visitor attraction in the town.”

Warrington Borough Council's consultation on the plans - which are available to view on the council's website - runs until Wednesday, February 20.