Construction has begun the first tourism and leisure facility of its kind in West Africa. Delta Leisure Resorts in Nigeria is a 49 billion Naira ($317m/E220m) project being designed by Sarner and its African subsidiary Sarner PFM.
The resort will cover a site of over 15-hectares in the Warri and Asaba cities of Delta State and include a theme park, waterpark, hotels, chalets, a casino, golf course, historical attractions, family entertainment centre, children’s area, sports facilities, spa and retail stores. Visitors will be able uncover the area’s strong tribal history in a craft village and museum.
The Oleri Bridge, currently under construction, will link the theme park to the main road network, while an animal reserve and wildlife park will be situated in Ogwashi-UKu, just 15 minutes from the new International Airport in Asaba.
“Delta Leisure Resorts will be a unique attraction for Nigeria helping to draw visitors to the area from across Nigeria, the surrounding countries and beyond,” comments Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, managing director of Sarner PFM. “The increase in tourism will create new job opportunities and help with the development of the country’s infrastructure.”
The overall theme for the resort is “landscapes’ and one of the main features will be a dramatic waterfall, offering spectacular views across the leisure park from its highest point. Nigeria is already blessed with tropical beaches, rainforest, savannahs, lively cities and rich cultures which Sarner has drawn on for inspiration. This, in addition to the climate, will make the park a great escape.
“The design of the park will ensure the environmental impact is kept to a minimum, and low energy lighting, recycling facilities, protection of the natural habitat and efficient use of energy will form a key part of the design process,” notes Sarner managing director Ross Magri. “Sarner has fully embraced its responsibility in terms of protecting the environment and will incorporate processes, technology and design solutions to ensure that we comply with any environmental requirements and, where possible, exceed them.”
The first phase of Delta Leisure Resorts is due to open at the end of 2013.
