More jobs as Alton Towers sinks £1.8m into Sea Life venture

TWENTY-FIVE jobs are being created at a new Sea Life centre at Alton Towers.

Bosses at the theme park have unveiled plans to create the aquarium in time for the start of the 2009 season in March.

And the new attraction, which will be situated at the park's pirate-themed Mutiny Bay site, will provide a boost to the area's economy by creating extra jobs at the tourist attraction.

It is believed that the development could cost £1.8m.

Sea Life is recognised at the world's number one aquarium operator and the second largest tourist attraction in Europe.

The business has more than 20 sites in Europe, including London, Paris and Berlin, as well as an aquarium in California.

The nearest to the Moorlands is in Birmingham.

Visitors to the attraction will be able to see a wide variety of marine life including jellyfish, octopi, rays, seals and sharks.

Alton Towers submitted the application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council last week and is expecting to find out whether the bid has been approved in December.

Russell Barnes, divisional director for the Alton Towers resort, said: "The addition of a Sea Life aquarium will perfectly complement the fantastic range of family attractions we have here.

"The plans promise an attraction that will be a very special experience that all the family can enjoy together.

"We'll be adding our own unique Alton Towers touch to Sea Life's excellent reputation and expertise in marine conservation, education and awareness."

The aquarium could replace the park's 3-D cinema, which hasn't been operated since 2004 and is currently used as a shop.

It is anticipated the cost of entry to Sea Life will be included within the theme park admission price.

A spokesman for Alton Towers said: "Sea Life is the world's number one aquarium and second largest attraction brand in Europe, and we believe the aquarium will complement the fantastic range of rides and attractions we already have on offer at the resort.

"As we continue to welcome an increasing number of families, this attraction is perfectly suited towards this audience.

"We are experts at surprising our guests through unique theming, so this is something we'll be focusing upon.

"We believe the attraction will offer fantastic added value to our family audience visiting the theme park, offering an experience all the family can enjoy together."

Melissa Smith helps to run the Malthouse bed and breakfast one mile from Alton Towers. She said: "We are delighted there will be something new for the new season.

"The Towers opened Mutiny Bay this year and we have had good reports about that.

"I'm sure the Sea Life centre will attract more visitors and in turn will see more people deciding to stay in Alton."

Sarah Pickles, joint licensee of Ye Olde Star Inn, Cotton, said: "I think the park has needed something new for quite a while.

"It should bring more people into the area and that can only be a good thing."

A Sea Life centre was opened at Chessington World Of Adventures & Zoo earlier this year.

The 250,000-litre aquarium is located in the zoo and has more than 20 marine life displays.