Work underway on Lancaster’s 60ft Gravity adventure tower

Construction work on Europe’s first ever ‘flight tower’ hit a new milestone this week with the installation of the multi-level adventure attraction’s central steel structure.

The 60 ft high heart of the tower, to be known as Gravity, is now in place at Lancaster City Council’s Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

Once complete, the £250k installation will allow adrenalin junkies to test their nerve and leap from ‘The Drop’ at the structure’s apex, although visitors will also have the option of abseiling or zip-lining to the ground.

Gravity is being created by Bingley-based adventure engineers Hangfast.

Lancaster City Council’s Cabinet Member for tourism and leisure, Cllr Darren Clifford, said: “Being a UK first, the installation of this magnificent piece of equipment is a significant coup for the Lancaster district.

“As an integral part of the £5m regeneration of our Salt Ayre Leisure Centre which is being coordinated by our developer Alliance Leisure, it is anticipated to attract more than 8,000 visitors from far and wide to the centre each year.”

John Beers, the founder and director of Hangfast, commented: “The flight tower is a significant development in adventure play and brings something entirely new to the market.

“For the first time ever, adrenalin fanatics will have the opportunity to experience the feeling of a free fall from a moderate and yet still incredibly nerve-testing height.”

He added: “We’re delighted to launch the first Flight Tower, Gravity, here in the UK and to work with Alliance Leisure and Lancaster City Council on the regeneration of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.”

Forecast to take four weeks to build, Gravity is the latest development in a wider £5m regeneration of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

In October, the first phase of the site’s new XHeight climbing wall, Energy indoor soft play centre and cafe opened. Further developments at the centre include a 100-station gym, outdoor training area, indoor training space, spin studio and spa.

Developer Alliance Leisure’s chief exec, Sarah Watts, said: “Alliance has a track record of introducing innovation to the UK public sector leisure offer and the flight tower concept is a great example of how public spaces can be transformed.

“This is a really exciting facility that will provide an amazing local and regional attraction to the Lancaster area and we are excited to be developing this attraction in partnership with Hangfast and the city council.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →