West Midland Safari Park swimming pool plan unveiled

This is the first glimpse of how an £18 million hotel and water park scheme could look under plans proposed at West Midland Safari Park which have been revealed today.

Artists' impressions for the ambitious scheme at the attraction, near Bewdley, have been produced by Croydon-based Ray Hole Architects.

The impressive images show a glass covered water park with two slides flowing into a large leisure pool surrounded by tropical trees.

There is also a hotel room, inspired by authentic African lodges, with a lounge opening out onto a view of the park and the Wyre Forest countryside.

The firm says the complex would have "unrivalled views across the und-ulating landscape of the safari park" and help park bosses to offer more ind-oor attractions for year round visitors.

Ray Hole Architects designed the unique Snowdon Summit Centre in north Wales, which opened two years ago.

The firm was also one of six bidding for the contract to rebuild Grand Pier at Western Super Mare, following the devastating fire in 2008.

Park publicity officer Wendy Jackson said work on the 150-bed hotel and water park plans was still at an early stage.

Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Stephen Clee said the project would help boost tourism in the area by making it more attractive to visitors. "The vision is for Wyre Forest to have a themed hotel at the safari park," he said.

The park opened in 1973 and covers 200 acres, including the 100-acre drive through safari. It attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year.

New exhibits have been opened in recent months including a replica £300,000 African village. Around £80,000 is being invested in an African-themed coffee bar, children's play area and picnic tent, replacing the outdated Cine-dome.

Last year historic Spring Grove House reopened in the park's grounds after being rebuilt at a cost of £5 million following a devastating fire on Christmas Eve 2006. At the same time the park unveiled the new £250,000 Tree Tops pavilion, which is used for corporate events.