Trafford's ski to success
Published: 13 September, 2006
News that Xscape Castleford is the UK's best-attended paid-for tourist attraction has tempted players into the indoor ski business. The latest scheme to start on-site is the £31m Chill Factor next to The Trafford Centre in Manchester.
The developers have a high-profile team headed by ex-Center Parcs managing director Peter Moore(left) with international skier Andrew Lockerbie (next left) as operations director. Managing director David Sterland was behind Xscape indoor snow and responsible for the co-ordination and commissioning of the first Xscape at Milton Keynes.
The scheme is backed by Trafford owner Peel Holdings and property director Mike Butterworth (right) believes it will make the centre even more successful: "It's the comprehensive range of attractions that put The Trafford Centre and its surrounding area on the UK's leading visitor destinations," he said.
Catering for enthusiasts of all abilities, Chill Factor promises the UK's longest and widest real snow indoor ski slope at 180 metres long by 100 metres wide, plus a toboggan run and children's snowplay zone as well as a rock-climbing wall and skateboard park, all within an Alpine 'village'.
The 250,000 sq ft venue will include a retail and catering offer. Terms are currently being finalised with a number of retailers, including a 10,000 sq ft mountain and snowsports flagship store.
