15 February 2024 , 16:46
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Alton Towers is looking to build a towering new attraction for theme park fans to enjoy, measuring around 60ft high.
The resort has lodged an application to replace its Funk 'n' Fly in the Forbidden Valley, with an attraction that will sit atop a concrete structure, reports StokeonTrentLive. The park's Forbidden Valley is currently home to its popular Nemesis rollercoaster which is expected to re-open later this year.
Unsurprisingly the resort has remain tight-lipped about exactly what the attraction would entail, although it's been dubbed Project Ocean.
Concept imagery from Smytheman Architectural for the structure shows a large concrete block of around 60ft, with some themed elements either side and a walkway. The resort is also looking for permission for a building to house plants and storage.
Concept art for the new structure (Towers Times)A design and access statement submitted as part of the latest application said: "The objective has been to provide a return to a more fixed attraction to aid the dwell time and attraction availability in the Forbidden Valley area of the park. With the reopening of the popular ride Nemesis alongside existing attractions Sub-Terra, Blade and Galactica, it is believed guest numbers will increase in this area and a further attraction will aid in both dwell time, ride availability and keeping the area fresh."
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Funk 'n' Fly - along with Twistatron and Spinjam - have all been removed after the resort for the winter to create space for new attractions.
A decision on the application isn't expected until at least April 2, 2024, so it's unlikely the attraction would open this year, although the resort hasn't confirmed plans regarding an expected opening date.
Nemesis is reopening this yearIn the meantime, one of the most highly-anticipated updates for 2024 will be the reopening of Nemesis. The beloved ride takes thrill-seekers on a along 716m of track, with a g-force of 3.5 and top speed of 50mph. As part of the refurbishment the track has been replaced, and concept art suggests there will be a huge mythical beast involved with a single, giant blazing red eye.
Alton Towers isn't the only UK theme park planning new rides and attractions.
Thorpe Park is set to open mega coaster Hyperia later this year which will take thrill-seekers up 72m above the ground, making it the UK's tallest rollercoaster. Riders will then plunge down towards the ground at 80mph, with the park promising that visitors will "twist like never before" and "feel weightless".
Work began on the ride in January, which will have three inversions including an 'Immelman' - an unusual feature which involves a hill climb followed by a half loop and a half twist.
Meanwhile for those with little thrill-seekers, Legoland is unveiling is fastest ride yet; Minifigure Speedway. The ride reaches speeds of 34mph and is inspired by the Speedway circuits. It features state-of-the-art technology and a dynamic dual-track layout, which cost £10m to develop.
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