A SPLASH park is a step closer to becoming a reality in Colchester's Castle Park.

The lease on the café, boating lake and inflatable play area at Castle Park is due to end this October.

Colchester Council has now formally asked for expressions of interest from “high-quality catering and leisure operators” to develop the facilities.

The successful bidder could be granted the lease for up to 25 years.

Council leader Paul Smith said: “We are really looking to see what people come up with.

“If you look at things put forward in other areas, whether it is a splash park or what have you, we are very keen to hear all offers.

“Obviously it has to be suitable given there are residential properties around there so we wouldn’t want something like an all-night disco but I wouldn’t want to limit anything that comes forward.

"If anyone has an idea they think will work, let us know.”

Promenade Park in Maldon hosts a popular splash park – a water playground for children - between March and September.

Mr Smith added: “It is certainly something we would look at. We have a boating lake there at the moment. Maybe that might be developed into something.”

Lib Dem Mr Smith said the council would certainly invest in upgrading Castle Park’s two toilet blocks.

But what else it might put money into under the new lease terms would depend on the proposal put forward by the successful bidder.

He said the toilet block by the boating lake could be turned into changing rooms if the splash park idea became a reality.

Mr Smith said the current lease holder for the café, boating lake and inflatable area was invited to apply for the new lease too.

“The lease they had was for a fixed period, the years have run out and it’s no way implying any dissatisfaction on their part or our part.

“It is sensible as a council that we look at the market to see what people come up with for future offers,” he added.

The council says the bidders could deliver new catering and leisure attractions in the park and at the Castle Museum.

Expressions of interest can be for one or more of the facilities and services being offered.

Last September the council, which owns the park, revealed it set aside more than £100,000 to carry out its own improvements for it, after a formal tender invitation was sent out to private operators, relating specifically to the bowling green.

It has not confirmed who the lease for that has been awarded to,

To apply and for further details contact Ian Baalham, Parks & Recreation Manager, by email at ian.baalham@colchester.gov.uk or by calling 01206 282962.

The deadline is Wednesday May 16.

Mr Smith is the Lib Dem candidate for St Anne’s and St John’s ward in the Colchester Council elections on May 3.

Also standing for the ward seat are: Mark Edwards (Lab), Chris Hayter (Cons), Helen Lee (Ind) and Catherine Maltby (Green).