Leading Blackpool waterpark the Sandcastle is to have new owners.

Following the green light from the tender application from Blackpool Council, Merlin Entertainments are to manage the Sandcastle Waterpark.

The handover period will take up to two years for the daily operations to become 100% of the Merlin Entertainments umbrella.

The Sandcastle has 18 slides and attractions, set to a steady 84° climate.

Merlin are no strangers to the resort – overseeing several attractions in the town of Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds, Sealife Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon as well as the world’s first Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play opened in the town earlier this year.

Kate Shane, Regional Director for Merlin Entertainments said: “We are thrilled to be adding the UK’s largest indoor waterpark to our Blackpool portfolio. With eight top attractions already in Blackpool, we’re excited to put on our armbands and add a ninth to our guest offering.

“We firmly support Blackpool’s ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and this partnership is another step forward in delivering this vision.”