A partnership looking to create a major new multi-million pound visitor attraction, 'Visions of China', has been selected as the Preferred Developer for a site in Rotherham.

The Council's Cabinet agreed to select the bid put forward by leisure organisation China Vision Ltd and regeneration specialist MCD Developments, as the preferred development for the fomer Pithouse West colliery site, located to the north of Rother Valley Country Park.

The move means the Council will now start negotiations with the Preferred Developer regarding the sale and use of the site.


'Visions of China' will be a multi-million pound, 120 acre cultural theme park set in an authentically built and landscaped Chinese environment combining a range of experiences and activities for visitors.

Councillor Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council, said: "This is a prestigious project which will create hundreds of new jobs and bring in many thousands of visitors and we are delighted that it is being brought to Rotherham.

"Our decision is the first stage on the road to turn this 'China Vision' into a reality and we will be working hard with the partnership to make it happen.

"This site has great potential and this proposal offers an exciting, unique and imaginative new attraction which meets our local regeneration aspirations and the desire of the region to increase the numbers of visitors from across the world heading to Yorkshire."

(CD)