Splash World in Southport. Work continues despite international supply challenges

Work to reopen Splash World in Southport is continuing in the face of international, industry-wide supply chain issues.

Difficulties procuring labour resources and additional materials, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have had a huge impact on the construction sector.

Contractors working on the refurbishment of Splash World have told the Council they are facing unforeseen challenges in securing specialist resources. 

These delays, which are affecting major projects across the UK, mean the re-opening date for the all-weather indoor water park is now likely to be 2023.

Splash World was temporarily closed for the refurbishment in December 2019.

Although work had to be paused as a result of the pandemic, the Council was able to use building to create a specialist SMART testing unit for COVID-19, with the centre playing a pivotal role in keeping thousands of residents and key workers safe from potential infection. 

Work resumed in Summer 2021.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Despite a range of nationwide challenges beyond our control, we are making progress on completing the works and welcoming visitors back to Splash World but unfortunately not as quickly as hoped.

“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our thanks to our various teams and contractors, who have been doing their best in difficult conditions to carry out these essential refurbishments works.

“I would also like to thank local residents and the many thousands of people who enjoy Splash World for their patience while this work is carried out and to assure them that we are working to get the centre open as soon as possible for them.”

Opened in 2009, Splash World usually welcomes thousands of families from across the North West of England each year. Features include fast flumes and river rides, a relaxing bubble spa and toddler area and a water play area

An announcement about the official re-opening date of Splash World will be made in due course.