• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

West Midlands Safari Park: General Discussion

4D Cinema, Lorikeets Exhibit, Walk-Through Interactive Dinosaur Exhibit (Plans)

The plans have now been released, for a NEW West Midlands Safari Park 232 Seat 4D-Cinema, Lorikeet Exhibit & Walkthrough Dinosaur Exhibit (Interactive), just behind the Penguin Cove & old Lemur exhibit in the Discovery Trail area of the park.

It's expected, that this development will be joint with the Otter Exhibit, which had plans approved back in early 2013. This development is set to open for 2015/16.

Pictures have been taken from Wyre Forest Planning Website, and are copyright to them. I take no credit in the production of these images.

(Location Plan)
h6Hmtqi.jpg


(4D Cinema)
1w7Mls5.jpg


(4D Cinema)
D9jMp3S.jpg


(The picture below is the Lorikeet Exhibit)
JfZo2y7.jpg


The theme for the 4D Cinema is believed to be an IP of some sort, possibly connected to the Dinosaur exhibit. Jurasic Park could be a contender, however the issue with that is SOME may consider it as a non-family thing, however it would depend how WMSP approach it.

Some good developments going on at WMSP over the next 2 years! Also, don't forgot the Otter Exhibit which was also approved planning back in 2013, which is thought to be a joint-project with this.
 
There is zero chance of it being Jurassic Park. I would expect it to be BBC's walking with dinosaurs with the 4d film being a shortened 4d version of the recent walking with dinosaurs 3d film that was in the cinemas.
 
Seems like WMSP have extended their Firework Display dates for the first time ever, with the park having a 2 day Firework event instead of the previous 1 day annually.

Join us on 8th and 9th November 2014 for the Firework Festival Weekend at West Midland Safari Park.
Click to expand...

And the park seem to have kept the 10pm close from previous years for the Saturday, however the Sunday is a 9pm close, which is understandable considering people will go back to work/school the following day.

Some times and information below from WMSP:

Saturday 8th November Sunday 9th November
Gates and Rides Open 2.00pm 1.00pm
Bonfire Lit 6.30pm 5.30pm
Last Admission 7.00pm 6.00pm
Fireworks 7.15pm 6.15pm
Park and Rides Close 10.00pm 9.00pm


They have now also re-branded the 'Theme Park' area from the previous 'Amusement Area', to now a 'Theme Park'. Including the re-name of the Thrill Ride Area to 'Adventure Theme Park', and the childrens area to 'Tiny Tots Theme Park'.

gFS6Gun.jpg
 
I don't mind the use of 'theme park' to replace the Amusement Area as there is a relatively substantial number of rides/attractions now over that area of the park, and the park have clearly been making efforts to improve the theming and overall style of the area. I see no point whatsoever in renaming 'Cubs Kingdom' to 'Tiny Tots Theme Park' however, as I feel this just sounds cheap and distasteful and at odds to the other efforts the park are making.

It is great news about the Bonfire/Fireworks event, I have never been but I have heard good things about it. Now if only they could get around to replacing the Twister with a high quality family/thrill coaster that doesn't feel as though it will fall apart each time you ride!
 
I went last week.
It is all well and good upgrading the park. The only road sign I saw for WMSP was the signs at it entrance, If its going to push for more visitors. then they need to get direction marking on the public road network right so the visitor can find they way without guessing.
 
delta79 said:
I went last week.
It is all well and good upgrading the park. The only road sign I saw for WMSP was the signs at it entrance, If its going to push for more visitors. then they need to get direction marking on the public road network right so the visitor can find they way without guessing.
Click to expand...

The Safari Park is directed from the M5 & M42 for the junction towards Kidderminster. It's not directed as much from Ludlow, however towards Birmingham it has a vast amount of direction signage.
 
Sign posted from moterways. Well thats fine, however they have overlook visitor using other routes to the park.
 
Sounds like it's still going ahead! I can see the project being done by Summer 2016, should the response be good and the planning application be released late this year/early next year.

Quote Source: WMSP Facebook Page

WEST MIDLAND SAFARI PARK - NEW MASTERPLAN –
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS TO GATHER FEEDBACK

West Midland Safari Park is seeking the public’s feedback on draft proposals for an indoor water park, 1,000-delegate conference and exhibition centre and 250-room hotel at the popular attraction. The £80m investment in the site will create almost 500 new jobs and create a world-class resort attraction in Wyre Forest.

The owners of the Park are now seeking the public's feedback on the draft plans and are holding two public exhibitions on Thursday 3rd July 2014 at St. Georges Hall in Bewdley between 11.00am and 8pm and at the Safari Park on Tuesday 8th July 2014 – between 11.00am and 8pm.

The proposals follow on from the adoption of the Planning Brief for the West Midland Safari Park by Wyre Forest District Council in September 2013, which guides tourist-related development at the Park and will be used by the Council to help determine future planning applications at the site, including the current proposals.

Safari Park Managing Director, Ivan Knezovich, says, “WMSP is already one of the leading visitor attractions in the Heart of England, attracting 750,000 visitors annually and employing over 400 staff. It includes the UK’s longest drive through safari; thrill rides, live shows and largest walk through lemur exhibit in the country. Over the next 10 years we propose to develop a conference centre for 1000 delegates, a 250-room hotel and an indoor water park, which will transform the safari park from a 3-star day visitor attraction to a four-star resort of national significance. The Park already has extensive corporate facilities and the prestigious Spring Grove House. West Midland Safari Park is committed to developing its role in regeneration, education, community support, scientific research and worldwide conservation”.

Nick Laister, Senior Director at RPS, the Safari Park’s planning adviser, says, “Following the adoption of the Planning Brief, the project team have been working hard to bring to life the Safari Park’s vision for creating a year-round resort, allowing visitors to stay on site longer and enjoy a wider range of high quality attractions. It is important that we get feedback from the local community on our proposals. Our new Masterplan will be on display, along with drawings showing what the new development will look like. Representatives from the development team will be available at all times to answer questions, and there will be an opportunity for you to comment on the draft plans”.

Those attending the exhibition at the Safari Park on 8th July should report to the main entrance to the Park from 11.00am onwards.
Click to expand...
 
Seems like it's going ahead, they want plans to be submitted to the council within the next few weeks or so.

Taken from Safari Sundown Facebook Page

Further Waterpark & Hotel plans have been released. These are currently just artist impressions on the finished product. Construction is believed to begin next year, with planning permission submitted within the next few weeks/months.

Safari Sundown does not own, or take any credit for these images.
Click to expand...

vx8G2iR.jpg

2WE6Bh3.jpg

ES7zKtt.jpg

5bpqahK.jpg

oZR6A1z.jpg

v7q0GwP.jpg

Pk3pnSp.jpg

npbmFh6.jpg

c3h3HGB.jpg
bop07IS.jpg


Interesting plans. Not keen on the entrance and the 4 coloured slides, I'd rather have a very Safari themed waterpark with safari colours. Love the glass idea though. Future is bright for this park!

Water slides, a jungle and even beaches are among the exotic visions for West Midland Safari Park under an £80 million expansion that will create 500 jobs.

The park, near Bridgnorth, is already one of Britain's biggest tourist attractions, with 750,000 visitors every year.

Now it wants to expand with an indoor water park and 250-bedroom hotel.

The plan will allow it to compete with attractions like Alton Towers, which already has a hotel and water park attached to its theme park in Staffordshire.

And bosses say it will turn the existing day attraction into a resort which will attract thousands more visitors from across the country and overseas.

Plans are also in the pipeline to link the safari park with the nearby Severn Valley Railway, which stretches from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. A new stop would be introduced serving the park.

Under the plans, the water park would have a jungle-themed environment.

There will be pools, rides and slides set around specially created coves and beaches.

Officials say the park would be built on the side of Bunkers Hill and there will be a landscaped area at the entrance.

The building, which has the slides snaking out of the side, gradually reveals a more African inspired style.

It also provides glimpses of the slides to heighten visitors’ anticipation. Once inside the interior of the park naturally drops away utilising an existing slope.

This is where the jungle environment is located.

The building will also include a shop and a restaurant.

Full plans for the water park at the Bewdley attraction are set to be submitted to Wyre Forest District Council in August.

The safari-style hotel will be designed as a ‘journey of exploration’ for visitors with a pool, gym and terrace.

There will even be a look-out tower offering views over the park.

Officials said visitors would enter the complex through a ‘wow zone’ which will run the full height of the building.

And they say the design will be ‘something exciting’ but refused to give further details as the final plans had still to be finalised.

The hotel will have 250 bedrooms with a mix of family and executive facilities alongside various size suites.

Bars and restaurants will also be included in the development which will sell a variety of different cuisines.

The conference area, called the Confex Centre, will have banqueting and exhibition facilities for 1,000 people.

People living near the park are now being given the chance to see the plans.

Nick Laister, senior director of the park’s planning advisers RPS, said: “This is the biggest transformation of the park since it first opened and represents a major investment of £80 million.

“Plans for the water park are more advanced as we plan to submit a full planning application for the development next month.

“However we will only be putting in outline plans for the hotel and conference centre.

“Full details will be finalised at a later date.”

Mr Laister said the team had worked hard to bring the safari park’s vision to life with the view of creating a year-round resort.

People who would like to attend the exhibition at the park should report to the main entrance from 11am onwards.
Click to expand...
 
WMSP have opened a £2 Million pound Dinosaur Walkthrough attraction, and have launched this with a new TV advertisement. The walkthrough has had exceptional feedback and outstanding response from the public, who think this is a great new attraction, and I am in agreement with them.

WMSP are now looking to update other areas in Discovery Trail, including the Reptile House, with surveys being carried out on that attraction over the past few weeks. There are plans to install a new thrill ride & family ride this year too.

The park have also released an all-new website design, which looks cleaner and much better: http://safariwithdinosaurs.co.uk/

This place just keeps getting better and better!
 
I have yet to see it in person but from the promotional video the new Dinosaur attraction looks fantastic. If the park maintain this well it will be a great attraction. Was the 4D cinema built as well as part of this or did that not happen?

It is nice to see some excellent investments in the Discovery Trail and ride areas, as they add a lot to the experience and are where you spend the majority of your day. The only thing I've seen this year that has made me question the direction of the park is the tacky and out of place looking 'Sega Prize Zone' - I thought they were going for a coherent, African themed experience.
 
I believe the 4D Cinema will be part of an expansion to the area to bring more people in either next year or the following year.

I think, from what I have seen, they are slowly working there way through the park starting from Lost City Plaza Entrance, which was upgraded about 3 years ago, as well as the installation of Penguin Cove. I think for a few remaining years they will focus on Discovery Trail, before working more on making the Theme Park look and feel better (replacing signage, updating theming & buildings and new attractions), before they go further ahead again with the Hotel & Waterpark in 2018/2019, for the 45th Birthday of the park.

Things are on the up though! Here's hoping the new thrill ride & family ride will be decent too. I have my suspicions it'll be an Air Race or something similar for the thrill ride.
 
Ok so big news, apparently according to quite a few staff members and hints from one of the managing directors i've been told that a new bigger version of The Black Fly is being installed (presumably a Maelstrom/Flip Flop style Huss Frisbee) as well a new family ride near Tiny Tots kingdom. Supposedly these are for the next couple of seasons as well as the retracking of the in park railway with theming and a small waterfall. Not much to go on but definitely something to watch. I didn't believe this at all at first but now i've realised Black Fly has been down for a while now and it seems there are some missing parts this could be interesting.
 
Last edited:
Two rides are being relocated down near the meerkats. Flying Loin Kings and Slippery Snake Slide. Nothing is happening with Black Fly. Just maintenance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top