Mo Chaudry, entrepreneur and star of Channel 4 TV’s ‘Secret Millionaire’, unveiled plans for the final phase of the £10 million redevelopment of the Waterworld tourist attraction today.

Mr Chaudry plans to build two water’s edge restaurants, a new ‘beach’ area with special lighting that imitates sunlight, a ‘Wellness’ centre (include beauty treatments, saunas and Jacuzzis), a new health and fitness club (including the first ice cave in the UK), sun decking and an interactive play area for youngsters.

Waterworld, which is already the most popular aqua attraction in the UK, will expand to cover an additional 35,000 square feet, making a total 105,000 sq/ft. The first phase of Waterworld’s development included Little Gym, Lady Zone, Subway, Café Bar and merchandising outlets.

Mr Chaudry, who represents the Destination Staffordshire tourism and marketing partnership, has championed the need for investment in the Stoke area for many years.

“I witnessed the decline and decay of Stoke on Trent in the 1980s and 1990s as the coal pits and steel industry closed and the ceramics industry waned. The grim industrial environment is now changing dramatically,” said Mr Chaudry.
Waterworld’s twelve acre site is arguably the best development location in North Staffordshire; within the urban core and backing onto the Trent & Mersey canal.
“This redevelopment is a fantastic opportunity to bring life into this problem area, open up the canal side in Stoke-on-Trent for all to enjoy and provide local employment,” said Mr Chaudry.

His future plans for the leisure complex include the development of a secret ‘winter’ tourist attraction and building a hotel and self-catering accommodation so that Waterworld can tap into the growing short-break market and become an all year round leisure resort.

NEWS NOTE: Waterworld has been granted a 100% bill of health by the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) following their annual external verification last month. The IQF commented that Waterworld’s lifeguard training arrangements where ‘excellent’ which is excellent news for the resort from the point of view of public safety and the visitor experience. It also enables Waterworld to carry on providing training and employment opportunities for young people looking to enter into the leisure industry.