The boss of one of Blackpool's biggest attractions says its multi-million pound refit will help keep the resort's family holiday trade afloat.

John Child, managing director of Blackpool Sandcastle Waterworld, revealed his aim for the business when The Citizen dropped in to see how a £4.5 million revamp of the South Shore landmark is getting on.

The 20-year-old Sandcastle has been gutted, and a team of builders are busy installing two new 'white knuckle' water rides, radically altering the layout of the pool area, and adding new attractions for younger visitors.

The 250metre Master Blaster -- the longest indoor 'rollercoaster' waterslide in the world, with unique uphill sections -- and The Sidewinder, where riders are tipped off the edge of steep ravine into a giant u-shaped runway, will be part of a new 'Hyperzone' area, aimed at teens and adults.

As well as the existing wave pool, the new Ushi-Gushi River Creek, with palm-fringed water and 'watery surprises', is aimed at all family members, and tots will get their own play galleon, HMS Thundersplash, and nearby fort in The Shimmering Shallows.

Mr Child said the aim is to build on the Sandcastle's existing family market, which will in turn boost Blackpool's family resort image -- an image that some argue has been tarnished by stag and hen parties, and fears of a gambling explosion.

But Mr Child said: "Things like the Sandcastle, I hope, balance anybody's perceived ideas that we're losing the family market. Here, we have squarely placed ourselves in attracting more families to the resort.

He added: "But we needed something to revitalise the business. It became evident that to move forward we needed to invest within the complex.

"We get a heck of a lot of families, but there was a large area of the pool that wasn't really being used by them, so we have opened it up. There's a fantastic amount being done. "

The installation is being led by Surrey-based specialist contractors, Aqua Leisure, which also designed the Sandcastle's new look.

Project manager, Jon Adami, said the work, much of it awarded to local sub-contractors, is 'absolutely flying'. "All the stops are out to complete here at Blackpool ready for Easter," he added.

The revamp, due for completion on April 8, also includes new changing rooms, and a new look entrance hall, with an imposing waterfall over a rock face sculpted by Surrey based artist Alan Bishop, and lit by Blackpool's Illuminations team. Tropical murals, painted by Blackpool born trompe l'oeil expert Adrian Smith, his wife Gloria and son Andrew, also fill the walls.

"What we are looking for is to give our guests an experience from the very start," said John Child.

"I think people are going to be quite surprised when they see it!"