The very first close-up photos of some of the London Resort’s rides and attractions have been released, including a preview of what will be one of Europe’s fastest roller coasters.
With both excitement and controversy building in recent weeks, its creators have revealed an exciting taste of what to expect when and if the park opens in 2024 as planned.
New renderings reveal that the park’s dinosaur-themed terrain, Base Camp, will feature two epic roller coasters, a great live multimedia show experience, an advanced simulation attraction, immersive fine dining, and an ‘excavation site’. active ”.
And we got our first glimpse of the Quetzalcoatus roller coaster.
The £ 5bn mega-theme park has been dubbed the UK’s response to Disneyland, with the developers embarking on one of Europe’s most ambitious theme park projects, along with BBC, ITV and Paramount involved.
The London Resort
It will be built on Swanscombe Marshes on 535 acres of the North Kent site, the size of 136 Wembley stadiums.
However, the plans face a fight against environmental organizations and activists anxious to protect the Swanscombe Marshes.
Today, the developers announced a short delay in plans to respond to the new challenge, but revealed new plans for the base camp area as a sign of progress.
Celebrating one of the largest known winged reptiles of all time, a dinosaur-themed roller coaster will be one of the fastest in Europe, launching riders at speeds of over 70 mph.
The new roller coasters at the London Resort
Located on 1 km of track, it will go against the usual trend of building roller coasters with towering heights and big drops, the London Resort said.
“Recreating what scientists believe to be a typical flight path of the extraordinary beast, this coaster will remain low to the ground, traversing treetops, skimming the water and bursting through rocky canyons.
“With a multi-launch coaster reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph, the ride will replicate the hunting speed of Quetzalcoatlus, which would sting low and quickly to capture prey in its long, tweezer-shaped beak.
The London Resort – Base Camp
The second roller coaster inside the base camp will provide a family experience. Weaving under Quetzalcoatlus’ flight path, through the fascinating landscape, this ride will allow adventurers of all ages and sizes to experience roller coasters. with just the right level of “delight”. ”
A 1,500-seat indoor arena in the far corner of the site, framed by a massive biodome, will also be revealed and offer “breathtaking” shows in a dense forest.
For an up-close glimpse of ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, and other terrifying ocean hunters, guests will head for a motion-based 4D ride.
The London seaside resort said: ‘It will dive underwater in search of cold and calculating predators offering guests an unprecedented expedition into the darkness of prehistoric waters. At times during their journey, guests may begin to wonder if they are spotters or prey.
The London Resort – Base Camp
“Besides fun and adrenaline, the land is also poised to offer educational opportunities. A huge playground will be created for young paleontologists to explore, excavate exciting fossil finds and develop their stem skills. Ziplines, climbing walls and multiple archaeological tunnels will welcome the most enthusiastic children, while underwater viewing platforms provide soothing moments as families scan prehistoric lagoons.
An interactive, immersive and dark merry-go-round, meanwhile, will “use sophisticated gaming technology to enlist the help of guests to track and tag a variety of dinosaurs and ancient reptiles in the wild.”
One of the two base camp food and drink offerings will be “a fun and eclectic family restaurant located along a Cretaceous waterhole”.
A park statement added: ‘Throughout the meal, schools of ancient fish may swim past the windows, darting from predators as they emerge from the inky blackness beyond.
“At regular intervals, something with a bit more bite may appear. Ichthyosaurs love to feed at this depth, and diners will have a clear view as the fish that were otherwise supposed to be the hunters become the hunted below the ocean surface.
The park will be three times the size of any other in the UK when completed, bringing together an ‘exciting global entertainment destination’ full of rides, hotels, ferries, eSports facilities and a water park on the Hollywood theme.
However, the plans face a fight against environmental organizations and activists anxious to protect the Swanscombe Marshes.
Grasslands, wetlands and brownfields are home to more rare and endangered species than any other wasteland in the UK, and in addition to abundant bees, butterflies, beetles, cuckoos and marsh lizards, the land is one of only two places in the UK where you can find the critically endangered distinguished jumping spider (Attulus distinguendus).
In February, a group called the Save Swanscombe Marshes campaign released a joint statement asking Natural England to declare the site as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the “richness of wildlife” present.
And in March, Natural England dealt the London Resort a heavy blow, declaring the ‘wildlife paradise’ an SSSI.
In response, PY Gerbeau, CEO of The London Resort Holdings Ltd, today announced plans to delay and take some extra time to prepare for the formal investigation into whether the project will be allowed to go ahead. continue, which will take place this summer.
The CEO ‘announced the recommendation’ to take the time to review and secure the resort’s ‘gold standard’ record for sustainability following Natural England’s decision to designate the swamps as a site of special scientific interest.
“Together with the Planning Inspectorate, we have requested more time to prepare for the official investigation later this summer,” said Gerbeau.
“It is absolutely fundamental for us to be leaders in sustainability,” he told Blooloop.
“We have already committed to spending around £ 150million on reclamation, habitat improvement and the provision of around 8 miles of walking trails and public rights of way.”
“Since Natural England designated the area as SSSI earlier this year, it is fair and appropriate that we take a short extension to review our reports and ensure they address the issues raised.
“We’re on track to create a beacon of world-class entertainment and experiences in a world-leading sustainable environment. And we’re very excited to report details of our progress with a new land, the Camp basic.”
Firefighters were pictured outside the King Alfred Recreation Center
