The latest project planned by the Preston-based, family owned Barton Grange group has been given the go-ahead by Wyre Borough Council.

The proposed ‘Flower Bowl’, a multi-purpose leisure complex, will sit alongside Barton Grange Garden Centre and Barton Grange Marina on the site at Brock on the A6 between Preston and Garstang.

The £6m development will offer premium entertainment, dining and leisure facilities, including only the second Curling Rink in the whole of England.  It will generate at least eighty new jobs for the area.

Managing director Guy Topping (left) said: “Ever since we revealed our plans for the Flower Bowl, we’ve had really positive feedback, so we’re obviously delighted that they’ve been given the go-ahead.

“Now the hard work really begins as we start planning the work itself. We’re hoping to start early next year with a view to opening in early 2017.”

Facilities will include a four sheet Curling Rink, luxury Ten Pin Bowling, a premium cinema and two Crazy Golf courses, one indoors and one outdoors, constructed to an exceptionally high standard.

Dining options include a diner-style restaurant, a Fish and Chip restaurant and an Ice Cream and Coffee Shop. There will also be a shop for the purchase and hire of kayaks for use on the Lancaster Canal.

The Flower Bowl will be a single storey building with a grass roof, which might eventually have sheep grazing on it.

“This is a major new development which will bring much needed entertainment and leisure facilities to the area,” said Guy.

“Our main target audience is the more mature market, although there will of course be many opportunities for families with young children to come along and get involved.

“We’re particularly excited about bringing curling facilities back to the north of England after a long absence. Our curling rink will be used by club curlers, social curlers and, we hope, local schools. Our intention is to develop a Centre of Excellence and maybe even discover and train some future Olympians!”