A NEW aquapark - claimed to be the first in the area - will be unveiled when Cotswold Country Park and Beach reopens on Friday.

Following the appointment of specialist tourism and leisure management company Planning Solutions Ltd, the Cotswold Country Park and Beach at South Cerney has undergone a major revamp which includes the new AquaVenture Park and a smart new pizzeria.

Cotswold Country Park will be open from May 26- October 29, seven days a week from 10am.

The AquaVenture Park, supplied by German inflatable water park company Wibit, will at first be open 10am-7pm, last admission 6pm, but will be open later during the summer holidays.

The Country Park and Beach, owned by Cotswold Water Park Trust, is set in the Cotswold Water Park which covers over 40 square miles and offers a huge range of leisure activities for the whole family.

Annie Horne, managing director of Planning Solutions Ltd, said: “Cotswold Country Park and Beach will be a great day out for all of the family and a fabulous attraction for those looking for a bit of adventure on the water with the Wibit AquaVenture.

"We are building an excellent team of staff to welcome our visitors this summer, and when the all the improvements are completed and everything fully operational it will be a superb experience.”

A new website and online booking system for both park admissions and the AquaVenture Park will be launched shortly.

A simpler park admissions pricing structure is also being introduced based on vehicles rather than number of persons. This will include parking, admission to the park, all-day entrance to the beach, outdoor children’s play area and catering facilities.

The Wibit AquaVenture Park will cost £15 per person, per hour – including car parking and access to the Family Beach. Other water sports will also incur additional charges.

Annie said: “Planning Solutions are very pleased to have been selected as the new operators of the site and look forward to working closely with the Cotswold Water Park Trust, local businesses and the local community to develop the park into an outstanding attraction for the area.”

Mathew Millett, managing director of the Cotswold Water Park Trust, said: “The appointment of professional tourism and leisure management company Planning Solutions marks an exciting new development for the Water Park and we are looking forward a successful 2017 season.”

By Friday the following improvements and additions are due to be completed:

• 100 tons of new sand on the beach

• Refurbishment of the Boardwalk café to offer improved catering choice. This will be re-branded as The Beach Shack Café.

• Refurbishment and Improvements to the Lakeside Cafe (formerly known as The Millennium building) including a gelato (ice cream parlour).

• Installation of the Wibit Aqua Park on North Lake which will be known as AquaVenture.

• New stand-up premium paddle boards for hire to include single, doubles and family boards and full water sports instruction available.