Construction of lakeside leisure development Phoenix Park in Preston, including a dry ski slope, that was first granted planning permission almost three years ago, appears to be edging closer to getting started after the group planning to build it is reported to have secured the required funding to complete it.
The rare new dry ski slope is set to become one of the headline features of a major redevelopment planned for Phoenix Park on the banks of the River Ribble. This is our 2023 report on the original centre announcement.
The Lancashire scheme, approved by Preston City Council in August 2023, outlines a significant transformation of the existing Trax Off Road Motorsport site. While the wider plans include a water‑sports lake designed for water‑skiing, windsurfing, canoeing and stand‑up paddleboarding, and a mountain‑bike track, as well as the ski slope.
Documents submitted with the application state that Trax Motorsport founder Eddie Sloane had been working to secure investment for the project and has now completed that process, clearing the way for construction once pre‑build conditions are met.
Thirteen lakeside lodges are also planned, providing transitional accommodation for post‑16 students in the care system. The aim is to give young people greater independence while maintaining structured support.
Phoenix Park is currently dominated by motocross and go‑karting circuits, which operate both as public attractions and as part of a training and education programme for children in care.
Before construction can begin, contaminated‑land investigations and other planning conditions must be satisfied.