Waterworld, the Stoke-on-Trent, UK-based aqua park is set to transform itself into a multi-leisure destination complex, which will include a hotel and an array of other attractions.

To date around £3.5m has been invested into the Waterworld site, and a further £2m will be invested in the first phase of the new development with a 10,000sqft (929sq m) front of house extension which will include a new tanning, beauty and hair salon, food court, amusement arcade, new offices and extra waterslide seating.

While the first Phase is underway, following the 2007 summer season the second phase of the development will get underway.

Work will commence with funding from the sale of 12 acres of land, which surrounds the water park for which planning application is currently being formulated.

The work will expand the water park to include 13 major rides, including a family water raft ride and two super fast rides for children; 14 smaller shoots; rapids; an aqua assault; and a wave pool.

It is anticipated that the development will attract 100,000 more visitors a year to the site, provide 175 jobs and the approximate economic benefit to the sub region will be an aggregate of £17m per annum.

Waterworld Chief executive Mo Chaudry said: “This will take Waterworld into the 21st century.

"We are head and shoulders above the rest of the UK in terms of an aqua park but we want to go further than that and create a leisure world where visitors will be able to come and have a fantastic time and be able to enjoy a range of unique attractions over a number of days.”

The park currently welcomes around 400,000 guests per year and employs 125 staff.