Blackpool Pleasure Beach caps off first phase of work on new £16.25M rollercoaster
As Blackpool Pleasure Beach prepares to open its gates daily for a new season of fun and thrills, progress on the construction of the UK’s first ever double launch rollercoaster, Construction MMXVIII, has reached a significant milestone.
Over 80% of work on the foundations of the new £16.25m rollercoaster is now complete and will be delivered on schedule.
The process has seen over 5500 tonnes of soil excavated since the start of work, and over 8,000 metres of pre-cast concrete piles and steel tubes driven up to 12 metres into the ground.
Visitors to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which opens daily from Saturday April 1st, will have the unique opportunity to see first-hand, work on the impressive new ride in progress.
A total of 282 ‘caps’, black concrete cylinders measuring up to 1.2 metres in height, mark the spot of the main pilings, providing a taste of the path of Construction MMXVIII and its intricate journey over, through and around the park’s existing rides. Upon completion, the roller coaster will feature 15 interactions – the most in the world.
Speaking on the significant milestone, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Technical Director, Alex Payne, said: “We’re really pleased with progress to date. On a project of this scale there are numerous opportunities for challenges to arise. Five years’ meticulous planning and advancements in technology have however enabled us to plan everything down to the millimeter, enabling us to know exactly where everything is and reducing the risk of set-backs.
“Work on the foundations is very near to completion. Our focus will then move to phase two, putting processes in place for essential enabling works – introducing electricity and air supplies, and building the sub-station.
“Upon completion the rollercoaster will be one of the most thrilling in the world.”
Set to reach heights of 88.5ft, with drops of up to 82ft, ‘Construction 2018’ is set to be an exhilarating ride for even the bravest of thrill seekers. The double launch will propel riders at high speed, not only at the start of the ride but also at a second point half way through the two and a half minute experience. Users will experience the same levels of acceleration as felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car.
Speaking on the construction Deputy Managing Director, Nick Thompson, commented; “It is so exciting to watch the plans for Construction 2018 take shape. The caps dotted around the park are evidence of the intense design and engineering process and we’re looking forward to sharing the progress with park goers.”
Managing Director, Amanda Thompson OBE, adds, “Construction 2018 is an invaluable investment, not only for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but for the region as a whole, as we expect thrill seekers to flock to the park to experience this cutting-edge UK ride first.”
The ride is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their world-class factory in Waldkirch, Germany. It will open in spring 2018.