A SPECIALIST in adventure attractions says it may expand into Sussex.

Openwide International Ltd, which manages Bournemouth and Cromer piers. has identified Hastings as a potential location.

The company has overseen a major overhaul of Bournemouth Pier.

Its theatre was transformed into the country’s first Rock Reef Adventure Centre and zip line now runs from the pier to the shore.

There are climbing walls, a high wire course, adventure caves, adrenaline slides, leap of faith and a host of other cutting edge activities for all ages to enjoy.

Director Rory Holburn said: “We have looked long and hard along the Sussex coast for a suitable town to expand our venture.

“Hastings ticks all the boxes in terms of age demographic, growth potential and availability of skilled staff.

We would like to work with the council, Hastings Pier Charity, Sussex Strategic Business Board and other interested parties to bring the Rock Reef and Zipline experience to Hastings and provide the town with 21st century attractions for the town to be proud of.

“We are very much a family-orientated company and want to bring an attraction to Hastings which will benefit both residents and the tourist economy.”

Ambitious proposals for Hastings include an Olympic standard climbing walll.

He said: “Climbing is about to overtake cycling in popularity as a sport and recreational activity.

“With it set to become an Olympic sport in 2020 we would love to be able to provide an Olympic standard climbing wall as part of the Hastings experience.”

Representatives from the Sussex Strategic Business Board, including chairman Lord Brett McLean and Sue Jones, visited Bournemouth.

National Piers Society chairman Tim Wardley said: “The prospect of Openwide coming to Hastings would be the biggest boost to the town since the spectacular re-opening of the pier.”