Visions of China
The Visions of China project is a proposed new major themed tourist attraction to be built at the former Pithouse West colliery site. This located to the north of Rother Valley Country Park and near Jct 31 of the M1 motorway on the site that Oak Holdings, who now run the park on behalf of Rotherham Borough Council were going to re-develop themselves as "YES". In 2011 after many years of pratting RMBC withdrew from the Oak Holdings project. The land became available and other tenders were invited. Visions of China is the preferred option.
The plans for Visions of China incorporate a 120 acre cultural theme park set in an authentically built and landscaped Chinese environment. It aims to combine the beauty and distinctiveness of Chinese architecture; the charming originality of Chinese garden design; the mystique of Chinese culture and customs; and the originality of its entertainment, in a single spectacular parkland environment, offering a menu of entertainment which will appeal to both domestic and overseas visitors alike. One and a half million visitors are expected to visit the park each year enjoying its spectacular mix of Oriental lakes and gardens, China Town retail street, Shaolin temple and cultural centre, Theatre, Children's fantasy land, Restaurants, Oriental Spa, Pavilions, Pagoda, and Hotel.
The project, costing in excess of £100 million is envisaged to create 200 jobs during its two year construction and more than 380 permanent jobs once the theme park is in operation.
Well I guess if you can have Disney in Paris, you can have China in Rotherham! It all looks very pretty on the plans and the artist's impressions. It also has the advantage of being quite unique: unless of course the company involved, China Vision Ltd, are looking at a chain of such sites.
Applications for planning permission are being prepared in 2011.
Opinions are divided; some think that it id an excellent idea, others that it is totally inappropriate.