AT86
TS Member
It is pretty unlikely that Towers would be able to replace Spinball with another coaster.
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[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved
It is pretty unlikely that Towers would be able to replace Spinball with another coaster.
Dave
TS Founding Member
Technically they can, they didn’t need planning permission for Spinball as it’s in the General Development Order area.
That said I think they will sacrifice Spinball for a future tricky planning application and agree to change to GDO in that area.
AT86
TS Member
The Towers St planning article seems to suggest the GDO rules for that part of the park have been amended since Spinball was built and would now only allow a max of 5 metres without full planning permission.
immelmanloop
TS Member
Yeah the council hate spinball, as it technically interferes with the view of the towers from the lawns as I think that view is protected? All it is now planning wise is a pawn for a tricky application.
Interesting point
Question is what could AT trade it for that would be both realistic and possible?
Cross Valley?
3rd hotel?
Second gate?
Something within the ruins (hotel or attraction)?
Permanent lake show?
Full conversion of the meadow to parking?
Substantial dark ride behind Katanga/Alton Manor?
Poisson
TS Member
Unlikely. I'm not convinced it'd get cleared for noise, plus not sure it'd actually be any good
They already have 3, doubt they need more
Not sure they're bothered about changing the current setup
Anything permanent in the ruins is very very unlikely, even Hex is a sort of temporary permission
A lake show would interfere with the sight lines, can see that getting knocked back
Possible, especially if they want to use South car park for more park
Probably would be under GDO
blackholes crow
TS Member
Second gate may be a possibility if the CVR opens there station just down the road
Cross valley highly unlikely there's to much redtape and restrictions in place
3rd hotel....really!!!
Lake show that could work
I think in the ruins that have../.had hex
And with the manner wanting to be restored highly unlikely
I'm not sure on what to say for the rest
But that's my thoughts
havaska
TS Member
They already have three hotels, don’t forget the CBeebies Hotel.
TroySmith1
TS Member
I agree I think this project needs to be delayed a year or 2, there no point adding new areas when there so much work to be done elsewhere. It doesn’t look good for new visitors, Especially as there will be alot of dead spaces removing all the temp flats at the end of this season. There be no fillers for the headline attraction, realistically are we going to see huge remedial works on: Hex, Galactica refurb, a whole new refurb area of forbidden valley including all new cafe, gift shop, arcade, supporting flat ride, cable cart back up and running. This list is huge and that’s not forgetting how shoddy the smiler is looking, Thirteen and there surrounding areas. A new rollercoaster attracting more footfall is the last thing they need in my opinion.
AT86
TS Member
Has there been any official communication that this was planned to be a 2025 project in the first place? This thread still being titled ‘202X’ suggests not?
Could it be that this was meant for 2026 all along? The early planning application for a location that has historic planning issues was perhaps more about giving them plenty of time - I was quite surprised it all went through without much fuss to be honest, perhaps the park were expecting a more drawn out process?
On top of that, two high investment years one after the other (Nemesis then Horizon) seems unusual even in these changing times at Merlin.
Could it be that this was meant for 2026 all along? The early planning application for a location that has historic planning issues was perhaps more about giving them plenty of time - I was quite surprised it all went through without much fuss to be honest, perhaps the park were expecting a more drawn out process?
On top of that, two high investment years one after the other (Nemesis then Horizon) seems unusual even in these changing times at Merlin.
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GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
A large shed like building in North Staffordshire is the perfect place for a museum, just saying. 
James
TS Founding Member
If Project Horizon forms a part of a full retheme/refurbishment of the Walliams area/Dungeons then that is an area in desperate need of change. I would support a multi-year development of that area. 2024 retheme of area, Gangsta Granny, 3D cinema return and new ride/theme in Dunegons building, 2025 Project Horizon and a new flat (or new indoor attraction in one of the vacant buildings). Very unlikely and pure speculation of course. Towers have their work cut out.