MattyB

Glad to see they got it all sorted. Onwards and vertically upwards!

So usually what happens is that approval is given, however there are conditions attached. So for example, to build this, you must do x,y and z. So in this example, for vertical construction to happen, you must first satisfy the conditions attached to it (I've simplified it as these can be quite complex, but that's the gist of it). And you are correct, in theory if the conditions are not satisfied, in extreme cases planning approval could be revoked. Conditions can also affect after the project has been completed. I don't know if nay of the locals on here remember the yellow American school buses? One of the conditions for Stealth was that the park would provide services to the local community. We set up parking areas and driver rest areas for these buses to satisfy the conditions for Stealth

Yeah if everything is going to plan I would expect to start seeing some increased activity over the next couple of weeks/end of May onwards.

Yeah I thought the same from the videos, but then noticed there didn't appear to be an infilling set up as such. Hope they have got it sorted as something like this could lead to a delay to project delivery. Who would of thought chucking mud in a lake would be so complex lol? Next couple of weeks will be interesting (from a dirt enthusiasts POV anyway haha)

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5 to 6 months of infilling conditions to resolve - if this was mentioned in November then 5-6 months is around now/end of May. They may already have this sorted and are commencing now. Infilling on watercourses requires a licence, even if temporary (there are some exceptions for minor works). Thorpe Park is particularly sensitive to this as the lakes feed into the Bourne which feeds into the Thames, so any pollution that may arise will be potentially carried downstream. From what I can see from the videos, it doesn't appear to me that infilling has started yet

From my experience from infilling at the Park, the top bullet point is the one that I would be concerned about. Sounds to me as though they still haven't sorted or are going through the process of obtaining the necessary licence to infill from the EA. I know it took around a year to arrange the licence when we did the major expansion project. Considering the EA's view on the project, I could see a potential high risk to the project from this. EDIT: I'll guess we'll know come May/June time as that's when I would guess infilling would start if it all goes to plan

Haha indeed! I need to return to the States at some point. Last time I was in Florida, Sheikra was under construction

Interesting take Josh! I felt the original Haunted House didn't take it self too seriously which translated over to Duel. However I wasn't a fan of Duel. POV's I've seen appear to show they've done a good job on the re-theme. Currently weighing up a trip this year or waiting for Nemesis to come back next year

Agreed. Hopefully they will get their act together with the new CEO coming on board, but you're right, if they don't care at a management level then they are heading for some rough times.

Its odd isn't it? Merlin have been running these parks for nearly 14 years now, and it feels like they are still learning how to run these parks. Its a shame, as these parks were once great places to visit...

I love it. Hope it does catch on haha.

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I remember making a joke to management when the original Bubbleworks was being re-themed to Imperial Leather. Something along the lines of "Go to Universal to ride the movies, go to Chessington to ride the adverts". Don't think I was too popular with management after that...

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I'm surprised they didn't opt for a full circuit layout like the one that's gone in at Legoland, allowing a 2 train operation. A friend of mine that works in the industry (not for Merlin) commented that it looks "cheap". From the various vids posted yesterday on Youtube the launch actually looks quite nippy. Still undecided on this addition.

I suppose Alton could be considered 2 days if you factor in a visit to Cariba Creek- so 1 day in the park and a day/ 1/2 a day in Cariba Creek.

Currently in progress. Nearly losing the will to live with adding the custom supports lol

Agree with all your points there. I couldn't remember whether Nemesis was marketed as a European first, but your right, they delivered on every level with that ride.

Totally agree with this. They are narrowing their product so much by having this USP issue that doesn't really make much of a difference (IMO). I was thinking the other day, with today's current Merlin management, would a rid like Nemesis even get built? It has no USP that I can think of (it wasn't a worlds first, maybe a European first?) I think the UK park industry has fallen so far behind everywhere else it is embarrassing. At one point, the Tussaud's parks were up there and comparable to the likes of Disney/Universal.

Agree with this. Last time I went to the Towers was Wickerman's opening year. I found that unless your into coasters or have young children there is not that much to do there. Hex, Duel and the Rapids are the only other major non-coaster attractions I can think of that appeal to a wide audience. I think they should really be aiming to be the Disney park of the UK I.e. making attractions that appeal to everyone. They somehow seem to be stuck in a coaster war with their other coaster based property (Thorpe). Really surprised they haven't gone for installing something along the lines of Toy Story Mania/ Maus au Chocolat. Also think a Soarin over the UK type attraction would work really well there...

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You're right Josh, it is easier said than done. I was part of the team that moved the Belle from its old location across the lake to where it sits now. It was extremely challenging and that was when it was fully buoyant! I would be surprised they don't demolish it in situ as that is going to be a nightmare to move