Merlin Entertainments has announced plans for a new roller coaster at Thorpe Park, the theme park’s first new coaster since The Swarm launched in 2012.
The proposals involve removing the development site’s existing rides – Lumber Jump, The Rocky Express and Timber Tugboat. These will be replaced with the proposed coaster, described as an “exhilarating experience”.
The coaster will feature “associated facilities” including a photo shop and F&B outlet, Thorpe Park said. Additionally, the ride’s track has been designed to “consider views from the surrounding area”.
Due to its location on green belt land, Thorpe Park will submit a detailed study alongside the planning application to demonstrate that the proposals “will not adversely affect views, or the openness of the green belt”.
Plans submitted in early 2022
Noise and ecological surveys have been carried out, as has a tree survey. Replacement tree planting will be proposed, and an assessment will accompany the planning application.
In the proposals, Merlin Entertainments said that “without investment in new rides, visitor numbers will decline”. Attendance at Thorpe Park remains “well below” the peak levels experienced back in 2010.
Opened in 1979, Thorpe Park boasts more than 30 thrilling rides, including the UK’s fastest roller coaster, Stealth. Additional offerings include coasters based on The Walking Dead and SAW.
Thorpe Park is inviting members of the public to submit their feedback on the proposals through a public consultation by January 7, 2022. This will help the park to finalise its proposals before submitting a planning application in early 2022.
Elsewhere, Merlin Entertainments has announced a new £1 million attraction based on the Peter Rabbit animated TV series, launching on Blackpool’s seafront next door to Madame Tussauds Blackpool in 2022.
Images: Merlin Entertainments
