A FORMER hotel has been converted into an adventure activity centre for children.

The former Cross Lanes Country Hotel was subject to planning applications in 2016 to change the use of the building to a children’s activity centre including an extension to the existing hotel, new buildings and equipment for children’s activities with associated car parking, coach parking, landscaping and railings.

The application was successful and now Robinwood have opened their doors to their brand new Cross Lanes site.

The centre will provide a range of residential activity courses to primary school groups from age 7 to 11, with activities including climbing, canoeing, giant swing and a zipwire.

The Leader:

The former Cross Lanes Hotel near Wrexham

The lessons and activities are tailored for different year groups, all studying key stage 2.

Martin Vasey, who founded Robinwood in 1993, said: “We’re excited to be finally welcoming our first guests to our brand new Cross Lanes centre.

"We offer a tailored and exciting programme for junior school children, allowing them to learn and develop whilst taking part and to build team-working skills with their classmates.

"From being able to shoot a bow for the first time on our archery range, to raft-building with their friends, Robinwood offers 7 to 11 year-olds lots of outdoors opportunities, with 15 different activities packed into our three day course.”

Robinwood bought the hotel at Cross Lanes for £1.4 million in 2016. They received a £1.5 million loan from the Development Bank of Wales to help them redevelop the site as part of £5.6 million plans and NatWest provided a £4.1 million loan to help the project.

“We’ve long wanted to have a site in north Wales, so we snapped up the opportunity to buy and redevelop this beautiful site at Cross Lanes.

"Thanks to the help of the Development Bank of Wales and RBS NatWest we’ve been able to bring in brand new facilities including a zipwire, giant swing and climbing wall,” added Martin.

Simon Jones, relationship director, NatWest Commercial and Private Banking, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the directors at Robinwood for almost ten years.

"During which time NatWest has supported the team with the acquisition and development of a number of projects across a variety of locations.

"I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Development Bank of Wales on this project, to support the vision and drive of Martin Vasey and Ian Goldsack at Robinwood.”

North Wales regional manager for the Development Bank of Wales, Rhodri Evans said: “It’s brilliant to see the site renovated to such a high standard in such a short amount of time. When Martin came to us looking for a loan, we were pleased to be able to help."