PLANS for a major new outdoor water park have been unveiled – the latest in a string of major tourism investments announced on the North Yorkshire coast.

The North Yorkshire Water Park is to open as soon as July at the existing Wykeham Lakes, on the Dawnay Estate near Scarborough. It will provide stand-up paddle boarding, team-building events, sailing, windsurfing, open water swimming and canoeing activities.

There will also be an inflatable AquaPark with a “Total Wipeout” type obstacle course with climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars and blast bags for people to jump, swim and climb.

Wykeham Lakes is already home to several local water sports clubs who offer sailing, windsurfing and model yacht racing on the estate’s five lakes, along with specialist fishing lakes.

Plans have also been submitted to further develop the site at Wykeham Lakes as a visitor attraction over the next two years.

Proposals include expanding the existing café, changing rooms and showers at the lake, with additional water sports activities including a Wake Park, pedalos and “Miniport” electric miniature ships. There will also be a cycle track through the woodland and around the lake side.

Robert Sword, estate manager of Dawnay Estates, said it was a “significant investment” for the estate and will allow them to provide activities for all ages. The plans will also result in the creation of at least 15 full-time jobs.

The area is fast-becoming a tourism hotspot, with the £14m Alpamare waterpark opening last year and plans in the pipeline for Flamingo Land to open a £20m leisure development at the site of the former Futurist Theatre.

In addition, Scarborough Open Air Theatre has proved successful in attracting global acts to its venue, with a dozen big names including The Jacksons, Little Mix, Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Olly Murs and George Benson among the major acts due to play there this year.

Janet Deacon, Scarborough Borough Council tourism manager said: “We welcome these exciting plans for another significant investment in our leisure and tourism sector, which will complement existing attractions in the area.

“The investment by Dawnay Estates demonstrates continuing private sector confidence in the borough’s future as a leading visitor destination.”

James Whitehead, manager of the AquaPark said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone for some fun and to developing the range of activities on offer as we develop our facilities.”

For more details visit the website; NorthYorkshireWaterPark.co.uk