IN DECEMBER last year, we notified readers of a possible treetop attraction in Heaton Park, subject to an operator being found. We’re now happy to report that it’s mission accomplished and the adventure course will be going ahead with Treetop Trek Ltd. 

We're really looking forward to bringing another world-class visitor attraction to the North West

With over 25 years’ experience in building some of the UK’s most popular family high rope courses, the team’s new attraction will cater for woodland wanderers as young as three.

Having won ‘Best Tourism Experience in England’ for their Brockhole National Park Centre, the Lake District-based company will bring their exclusive Treetop Nets to Manchester - alongside more established proposals like zip safari, mini trek and high ropes.

The course will cover just a few acres of woodland within the 640-acre park and will be situated to the north west; close to amenities such as parking, public toilets and the Stables Cafe. Opening is anticipated by Easter 2017.

Brockhole National Park CentreBrockhole National Park Centre

As well as managing all running fees, Treetop Trek Ltd is responsible for building the course and will create sixteen full-time jobs plus two annual apprenticeships. There will be no cost to the city council who, through the partnership, will invest their share of the income back into the wider park. Clean City funding has already been used to improve footpaths, bins and benches whilst future improvements will involve the popular playground: replacing or repairing every piece of furniture - including the ten-metre tower slide - and introducing disabled access swings and a roundabout. 

Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “It’s with huge excitement that we can announce plans for the latest addition to Heaton Park. We believe Treetop Trek will help to develop the park as an essential destination and help people enjoy the park in new and exhilarating ways. Treetop Trek bring with them a wealth of experience in the field and I can’t wait to have a go.

“Heaton Park is one of Manchester’s most-loved assets and our continuing development and improvement works will ensure the space can be enjoyed by generations of people into the future.”  

Mike Turner, Managing Director of Treetop Trek, said: "We're delighted to be working with Manchester City Council at this fantastic site. From our base at Windermere we already have many contacts and customers in the Manchester area and we're really looking forward to bringing another world-class visitor attraction to the North West."