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To put more in there they'd have needed to bin Depth Charge as well. Which isn't happening. The park needs more spaces to breathe and has done for years. Might even be something they can offer for evening entertainment in summer months for hotel guests. I've always felt that this was the best solution for the area. Better than a beach that is never used.

I've just come across this document which does confirm this area will be accessible before the park opens. 'The proposed new seating and gathering area will provide a location for visitors to dwell when they arrive in the morning prior to the rides opening, and after they have passed through the ticket kiosks and security/bag check. This will assist in reducing queues and improve guest experience.' It also states that the stage will host up to 18 shows/events over the season in addition to the entertainment already provided. So sounds like they're planning additional events over summer maybe? I know they used to hold some concert type events (back in 2015/16 maybe) unsure how successful they were? 'In addition, it is proposed that the stage will host up to 18 shows/events over the season for bands where the music will be louder and more like a concert format (capacity of 2,000 guests). These events will take place through the year. To protect residential amenity, noise levels will be reduced at 11pm to the pre-agreed park levels.' 'The only new activities will comprise up to a maximum of 18 days per annum where events can take place up to 95dBA within the audience area. These events will be carefully managed and will end at 11:00pm.'

Agreed, this looks like a great use of the space! The Beach has always been a very odd area, and only used for part of the year anyway - this new area will be used every day and solve the event space problem.

I personally don’t mind its design and feel. Reminds me a lot of the Barbican and those are some sought after houses. The thing is with Thorpe having a hotel is tricky especially in the off season, with Heathrow so nearby and lots of places avalible for conferences etc it was always seen as a major risk to build a permanent hotel structure. If this does go ahead I wonder if a midway attraction will be built in one of the car park areas or the old farm to make it feel more resorty.