Leading local politicians, including Mayor Cllr Mark Dannatt, were among the first to conquer the heights of Skegness’ biggest and best new tourist attraction.
With the official public opening of Altitude44 on Monday August 5, a soft launch event was held during which selected members of the public, councillors and the regional media were invited.
And, it went down a storm: “Incredible, give it a try,” said Cllr Dannatt, as he abseiled down the 21-metre drop from the top.
Altitude44 manager David Sneddon has a team of 15 – now fully trained and ready to welcome the public. The website, www.altitude44.co.uk is now taking online advanced bookings.
“What a sight Altitude44 now is, it really is a great new attraction for Skegness and the team is raring to go,” said David.
Altitude44 comprises of four giant-sized platforms, within which sit 44 fun obstacles of all different shapes and sizes, which have a distinctly seaside theme.
Developed and managed by the Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture, in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, this top new visitor attraction has been built by German specialist company KristallTurm. Founded in 2010, the company is fast becoming the market leader in masterminding innovative and unique high wire and rope structures. This is their first project in England, having completed projects across the world – from Australia to China and the United Arab Emirates.
Altitude44 is part of a series of new developments and improvements that have been made in the resort by Magna Vitae and East Lindsey District Council over the last 18 months. With a total investment topping one and a half million pounds, the work has included:
- The refurbishment of the gym at the Skegness Pool and Fitness Suite;
- The re-tiling and improvements to the indoor pool at the above site;
- The creation of the new VIP area Upstairs at the Embassy at the Embassy Theatre;
- Altitude44
- Café Magna, the new café on the same site.
Welcoming this latest development, Councillor Steve Kirk, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy at East Lindsey District Council said: “I’m delighted to see the completion of Altitude44. What a brilliant new attraction in Skegness and, I’m sure, it will be a unique experience for those who tackle it.
“It is yet another wonderful project from Magna Vitae in partnership with ELDC. This substantial investment by the Council comes hot on the heels of recent investments including the refurbishment at Skegness Pool and Fitness Suite and the Upstairs at the Embassy project, along with Tower Esplanade and Rockery Gardens improvements. This is one more great reason for people to visit our wonderful town,” he added.
Magna Vitae Chief Executive Mark Humphreys added: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing such an exciting and fantastic new attraction to Skegness, once again working with our partners at East Lindsey District Council.
“The council, together with Magna Vitae, has made significant investment into Skegness over the last 12 months and this is yet another fabulous addition. We firmly believe that investment into Skegness will bring significant benefits both to the resort, and East Lindsey as a whole.”
