Firm takes a flyer on Fantasy Island

The Mellors Group, which is bringing the UK’s tallest transportable ride to Fargate, snapped up the freehold of the 41-acre amusement park for an undisclosed sum. It had been run by administrators since August 2014.

Fantasy Island is a firm favourite with people from Sheffield - some 1m of its 3m customers last year were from the region.

The firm hopes to ‘transform’ the attraction, which includes rollercoasters, Europe’s largest seven-day market and 340 static caravan pitches.

James Mellors, managing director of the Mellors Group said; “It is a very exciting time for our company as we have seen strong growth in our events business throughout the region and abroad.

“The interest we’ve had in the Sheffield Starflyer was further proof that people in the UK still enjoy exciting new rides and experiences.

“We’ve spent significant time and money investigating the UK leisure industry and found that Fantasy Island, which is a popular resort for visitors from South Yorkshire, is already home to record-breaking rollercoasters but it needed support to provide long term stability.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of attractions and have some interesting investment plans and new rides for Fantasy Island in the near future.”

Fantasy Island director of finance, Claire Draper, said: “We’re delighted to be able to make this announcement ahead of our 2016 opening weekend extravaganza on 12th March.

“It is testament to the hard work of everybody involved over the past 18 months and what we have been able to achieve with the support and understanding of the administrators.

“Our joint efforts have proved that Fantasy Island is, and can continue to be, a successful and profitable resort.”

Administrator, Benjamin Wiles of Duff & Phelps said: “I’m delighted that the team has successfully delivered a turnaround and sale.”