£16.25m investment in new rollercoaster
Work to build the UK’s first ever double launch rollercoaster gets underway at Blackpool Pleasure Beach today, December 1.
The first phase of construction of the new £16.25m rollercoaster – set to be the most exciting in Europe for several years – will see foundations laid for the ride’s launch structure. A 45.5 tonne piling rig will mark the start of the technically challenging construction work and the installation of approximately 8,000 metres of pre cast concrete and steel piles.
‘Construction 2018’ will reach heights of 88.5ft with drops of up to 82ft and will interact with five other Blackpool Pleasure Beach rides, including the Big One, Steeplechase, Big Dipper, Pleasure Beach Express and the Grand Prix. The ride will feature 15 interactions in total, the most in the world.
Work will also focus on the point of interaction with the Big One, with the ground being excavated in preparation for the foundations of the ride. Over 50 construction workers will be on site during this significant period of work, which is expected to last until March 2017.
Construction on site is the culmination of over 8,000 engineering hours invested in the development to date, utilising the latest state-of-the-art engineering processes, including 3D mapping and laser beam technology for extreme accuracy.
A double launch will see thrill seekers propelled forward 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. Riders will experience the same levels of acceleration as felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car.
Speaking on the construction Managing Director, Amanda Thompson OBE, comments; “Construction 2018 follows in the long tradition we have at Blackpool Pleasure Beach of investing in innovative rides. We believe it 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.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Deputy Managing, Nick Thompson, adds: “We have been working on this concept for five years – today is the culmination of an intense design and engineering process in order to bring a ride that is the first of its kind to the UK. Construction 2018 will be fast, adrenalin fuelled and exhilarating but also smooth and comfortable – an entirely new ride experience. We are delighted to start work on site and to watch the exciting plans take shape.”
The ride is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their world-class factory in Waldkirch, Germany. It will open in Spring 2018.
NOTES
Construction 2018 brings together the Thompson and Mack families, owners of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and leading manufacturer of amusement park attractions, Mack Factory respectively.
The development is the biggest of its kind in recent years and cements Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s position as one of the UK’s leading amusement parks.
Key Ride facts
Total Length – 1.14 KM
Max Height – 88.5ft
Height of Drops – 82ft
Max Speed – 80 KM/H
Max Acceleration (Verticle) – 4.3G