Vision for Tatton is to make each visit different (From Knutsford Guardian)

Vision for Tatton is to make each visit different

6:40pm Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in News By James Wilson

BOSSES at Tatton Park have said their vision for the next five years will safeguard the estate’s future.

The Tatton Park Vision is the park’s five-year plan for its visitor activities, and aims to substantially develop its visitor experience by increasing the attractions and activities on offer.

In recent months the headline grabber for the ‘Vision’ has been plans for BeWILDerwood – an adventure playground attraction that could be built in Witchcote Wood.

In last week’s Guardian it was confirmed that part of that wood was ancient woodland and developers would have to come back to the council with amended plans.

But those in charge at Tatton have said they now want to show people what else is planned for the estate.

The other four aspects of the ‘Vision’ include the development of the stableyard area, an overhaul of Tatton Farm, improvement of the conferencing and banquet facilities and building on current activities, such as the creation of themed gardens.

Cheshire East Council currently hands more than £600,000 to the estate, but the plan is to make sure the park can run without the council hand-out.

Brendan Flanagan, manager of Tatton Park, told the Guardian the ‘Vision’ was about ‘realising the attraction’s potential’.

“It is about how we can change what we are doing and also about raising the bar of the activities and appealing to more people,” he said.

Mr Flanagan said the idea would be to improve existing attractions to make sure the ‘visitor experience’ is different each time.

The mill at the farm is set to return to action as part of the plans, and the redevelopment of the ‘Top Yard’ area of the farm could also include ‘glamping’ – defined as ‘luxurious’ camping.

Recent additions to the farm include a woodland play trail, den building area, storytelling rooms and a maize maze.

Mr Flanagan insisted that the BeWILDerwood proposal was in keeping with the estate.

“It has to be something that would fit in with the Tatton Vision, which is why the claims of a theme park are a misnomer,” he said, “We are looking for something that fits in with the estate.

“I’m not looking for something that is alien – that’s why BeWILDerwood put forward their proposal.

“It will offer something that is bespoke, because it will be based on stories written by Tom Blofeld specifically about Tatton Park.”

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