Adventure Island (Southend-On-Sea) Developments

[neo]

A £1MILLION arcade is set to be built in a Southend theme park – with a rollercoaster on its roof.
Work is getting underway at Adventure Island, on Southend seafront, to demolish the Lucky Strike arcade and build a new centre twice the size filled with games machines.

The Mini Mega rollercoaster is going to be moved from its current site in the park to six metres off the ground.
General manager Robert Roberts said: “A ride on the new-look Mini Mega will be an entirely different experience for visitors – that extra height means it will be far more thrilling than ever before.
“We are currently disassembling the Mini Mega for it to be taken away and refurbished by a specialist rollercoaster team, before returning to its new home in next year.”

He added: “The Lucky Strike arcade has been in the park for 20 years, so it’s time for a change. The new centre will have something for everyone – from toddlers to grannies – and create a great family environment for years to come.

“And, by moving the Mini Mega on to the roof, it means we can add in another major attraction at Adventure Island. So watch this space.”
The new centre and Mini Mega are due to open mid-February 2010.

http://www.southendstandard.co.uk/news/ ... ts/?ref=mr

So a new major attraction is on the cards for Adventure Island in the near future. Should be interesting to see how this one develops.

 

[marc]

I do not see how? It is still taking up the same ground space as it was when in the ground.

 

[Hurri]

The new arcade is going on the Mini Mega footprint, with the ride going on top.

The old arcade which ran along the back from the Mini Mega to the Gold Mine is being removed, which opens that space there for a new development.

The new attraction going there hasn't been confirmed yet but I would expect there to be some sort of juvenile as a placeholder for next summer if nothing comes before then.

For anyone interested, the 'specialist roller coaster team' is Sonacase ARM...

 

[Martyn B]

I see they've caught the Botton's bug


Anywho, why's the coaster being refurbished?

The arcade space isn't that big, so I doubt it'll be anything major 'major'.

 

[marc]

Its be enough for a Wild Mouse, traveling Log Flume or Traveling Rapids I would think.

If they moved things around they could create more space in front for a bigger attraction the following year.

 

[gavin]

that extra height means it will be far more thrilling than ever before.

So, "far more thrilling" should elevate it into the mildly-amusing category then?

Being cynical, it's not going to free up much space, is it? I'm guessing the major new attraction will be another spin and spew. What else would really fit there?

 

[marc]

Gavin thats the coaster you liked hehe

The problem with the park is they clearly wish to expand and simply have no more room Yes other park for example Lightwater have loads of room and do next to nothing with it.

 

[gavin]

^ Well, I liked it in relation to the other small coasters there; it felt as if it were at least trying to do something. Plus, I liked the fact that it didn't feel like a Pinfari at all.

 

[Martyn B]

They could do what other parks do, and remove older rides to make way for new ones!