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£21.4 million European waterpark finally opening soon after 16 years of construction

£21.4 million European waterpark finally opening soon after 16 years of construction

The huge attraction has been in the works for years

A multi-million-pound waterpark might finally be opening after it was first announced 16 years ago.

The Portuguese attraction first started construction in 2008, and millions of pounds later, it is set to open its doors to the public for the very first time.

A total of €26 million (£21.4million) has been put into the project, despite the fact that it hasn't opened yet.

The original plan was for the waterpark to open by 2015 following the huge plans made to bolster tourism in the area.

On the official website, it is stated that there will be a large indoor swimming pool, a feature that is rare in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as a lazy river and a wave pool.

Known as Parque Aquático do Almargem, the theme park would also feature slides, an aquarium, playground, spa and an outdoor pool.

If that wasn't enough, plans include bowling alleys and a disco for guests to enjoy.

Restaurants would be part of the waterpark too, but all of these plans have been halted due to several financial restraints.

Plans for the waterpark include a number of features.
Almargem Complexo Turistico

Authorities have given owners until the end of the year to make a decision on the park, or it will be demolished, despite half of it being built.

Media stated last year: "It is the goal of the municipality that the process be completed, and it is the purpose of the infrastructure that it be available for use by the area.

"The mayor came to the conclusion that in the event that the work was not completed, the owner would be required to start dismantling it."

Manuel Cruz is the owner of the property and he has claimed that the project is 'not abandoned'.

Cruz did say the situation is 'delicate' though, because of 'a series of problems'.

He continued to explain: "But every effort is being made to ensure that the problem is resolved as quickly as possible within the existing constraints."

"We are in good negotiations with Turismo de Portugal and we believe that within this quarter we will be able to implement all the conditions that allow us to validate an operations date so that we can have a start and end date."

He also aims to have all of this sorted out by the end of 2024.

A final decision will be made on the huge waterpark this year.
Almargem Complexo Turistico

But if you're in the UK, there is something similar like this opening soon in the north of England.

Therme Manchester is set to become the first and only waterpark, spa, and wellness retreat in the UK, with the £250 million project set to be completed in 2025.

The waterpark is set to feature 25 pools, 30 water slides and new plans have indicated some external water slides that shoot out of the building will be included, too.

While thermal pools, spas, and swim-up bars were announced in initial plans, recent updates have revealed an English-meadow-inspired wellness garden in the works.

Featured Image Credit: Parque Aquático do Almargem

Topics: Travel, Holiday