Work began on 17th March 1986 on the first Center Parcs development in the country, at Sherwood Forest. The contract, for 600 bungalows and leisure and sports facilities, was for 14 months. Completion of the park expected to be May 1987; the handover took place on 15th May 1987 and the park opened to guests on 3rd July. The futuristic dome structure of the swimming pool was topped out on 2nd July 1986. It was covered with Texlon plastic and maintained a constant temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When completed, the swimming pool had a wave pool, waterfalls and a 75m water slide. The slide was edged with natural stone and the pool was surrounded by "boulders and lush vegetation".
This image was catalogued as part of the Breaking New Ground Project in partnership with the John Laing Charitable Trust in 2019-20.
This is part of the Series: JLP01/10 John Laing Photographic Collection Colour Negatives and Transparencies; within the Collection: JLP01 John Laing Photographic Collection
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Late 20th Century Holiday Camp, Late 20th Century Swimming Pool, Leisure And Recreation
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