SNOWDOME developers have re-launched their £150 million scheme. And they have made major alterations to the Leigh project - including reducing the height by 17 metres - in response to public criticism of the original plan. In another dramatic change, the design concept is now described as 'Sydney Opera house' rather than the original Manhattan skyline!

The developing consortium - Moorfield Estates, Greenbank Partnerships and snowmakers Acer Snowmec - believe they are on target for a 2001-2002 opening, once the planning stage has been successfully completed.

A new phase of public consultation opened today with a Xanadu exhibition in the Derby Rooms at Leigh Library. It runs until Saturday, April 18.

A model of the snowdome - with its 250 metre ski slope - will be on show from the end of March.

Speaking at the project re-launch, Moorfields director Alec McLachlan said they had addressed major points of criticism from nearby residents.

"I don't think we will be able to totally address all the concerns. But we have made significant moves towards it."

He said the number of houses falling in the shadow of Xanadu had been reduced.

"The building is in such a position that those in shadow are no worse than being affected by shadows from the house next door," said Mr McLachlan.

And architect Derek Walker said the 3000-car park and coach parking areas had been moved away from homes; landscaping and high mounds would shield the silver snowdome from homes and the scale of the wildlife corridor increased.

The planned project will include Space City with Star Wars imagery; Aquatic Village; Cinetropolis Neon City with 20 screen cinema; and Tyrolean Village.

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