A snow dome is an exciting prospect for our area.
We revealed earlier today that a multi-million pound snow dome is being planned for Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon has held talks with developers to bring a facility to the town, with Middlehaven cited as a potential site.
But just how feasible are the plans and what impact could such a development have on our area?
Here we take a quick look at some of the factors to take into consideration.
1. Cost of build
There are six snow domes in the UK - Castleford near Leeds, the Trafford Centre at Manchester, Hemel Hempstead in London, Milton Keynes, Braehead in Glasgow and Tamworth.
According to Clyde Waterfront which was involved in the Braehead project, it cost a staggering £60m.
However, as well as a ski slope the Braehead development also includes a shopping centre, retail park and leisure facilities such as a multiplex cinema, indoor bowling, two climbing walls and an aerial assault course.
When Knowsley councillors, in Merseyside, looked into such a project though in 2006 it was thought the figure to complete it would be around a more modest £12m.
2. How long to build?
It took two years to complete the Braehead site - so even without an accompanying shopping complex it wouldn't be a quick job. However, as reported earlier it is hoped the development could generate up to 200 jobs - many of them of which could be in the actual construction of the site.
3. Who’s it for?
At Teesside’s nearest similar site as Castleford a range of people attend - from families wanting to have a fun day out through to those serious about learning how to ski and snowboard and have professional coaching.
Family activities include sledging and ice sliding.
Paul Chappells
Snowdome on Teesside
View gallery
The 170m long main slope is covered with over 1700 tonnes of fresh snow, with 2 poma lifts.
There is also a dedicated lesson slope for beginners and novices to build their skills and confidence before progressing to the main slope.
Lessons and coaching is available for all levels of experience.
4. Alternative sites
Middlehaven has been touted as the potential site for the development if it were to go ahead, with Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon saying: “In my own view we need a centrepiece for Middlehaven which is completely different and a snow dome is certainly that,”
But where else in Teesside would it fit? Cannon Park to tie in with the rest of the proposed developments? Another addition to Redcar front? Or even Eston Hills, giving the area another shot at having a ski slope.
5. Impact on business
The first UK snow dome was in Tamworth.
It opened in May 1994 and was the first full-sized recreational indoor ski slope in the country.
It is said that the snow dome had a “huge impact” on the small Staffordshire town with tourists using the areas hotel’s and B&Bs.
Construction work started in early 2009 for a developer to build a 120-bed, £7M hotel on land adjacent to the snowdome. The Holiday Inn Hotel opened in late November 2009.
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