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2025: General Discussion

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I can only go off the face of things as I’m sure none of us are privy to what truly goes on behind close doors.

But when Bianca came in, there was initially a resurgence at Alton Towers. Theming improved, costly projects were greenlit and entertainment seemed to improve.

There also seemed to be a genuine connection with Bianca and fans of the resort.

Then, over time, things seemed to stop.

Only speculating, but one does wonder if she started being told no a lot more, hence cutbacks etc

Only time will tell… but this may be another smoking gun that things are not well at the resort / Merlin
 
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Disappointed by this. Although perhaps not surprised.

Given all the cut backs it wouldn’t surprise me if someone who wanted to implement more improvements felt their hands had been tied and looked to go elsewhere.

Felt like Bianca really ‘understood’ Alton Towers and what makes it special.
 
Wonder if the new position abroad is the new Six Flags park in Saudi. I'm always astonished how people have more jobs around the world so easily and how quickly they burn through jobs. We really need someone who is going to at Towers for the long haul
 
I think she had the best intentions at heart. It must be really frustrating to see what can be done with such a special place and have a plan, even a modest one, and to be held back by ridiculously tight budgets and stupid centralized decisions from those people many miles away. Anyone in that position would eventually have one eye open looking for potential opportunities elsewhere when the time was right. She seemed quite a people person too so can't have enjoyed seeing the axe fall on the ents/studios people.

The next boss will most likely be hamstrung by the same budget restrictions.
 
GooseOnTheLoose said:
We won't know if this was truly her decision to leave, or whether she's been asked to step aside as part of Fiona Eastwood's restructure. I'm hoping it's more of the latter, as it would suggest that there could at least be a long term solution. The park needs one.
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The fact that she’s leaving for another job would suggest that it has been her decision, and she’s currently serving a notice period. Could be wrong though!

It’s a shame that she is leaving, as I feel her intentions were good and she has made some positive changes. Can’t help but feel this reflects on frustrations with Merlin and budgets. It wasn’t long ago that she was talking about wanting to build events year-on-year, but instead we’ve seen events cut. Clearly not her decision.

If you can’t fulfil the vision you have, and make the impact you want, then you move on.

Certainly wishing her all the best wherever it is she’s going!
 
Mick said:
In football terms it reminds me of a club that’s got a rotten owner, changing the manager can only do so much when the problems are higher up.
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As a Chelsea supporter this hits hard.

I liked Bianca. I liked her openness (even if not everyone she said was positive), and I liked her approach to running the park in spite of the (Merlin-mandated) cuts and the Aramark fiascos, neither of which she had any control over. It is a disappointment to see her go.

The timescales (almost 3 months exactly) line up with the usual notice period for exec roles in most orgs so it implied it was her decision rather than being pushed.
 
Whilst this is going to be bad news for the park, the worst thing that could happen right now is if Merlin sold up. I know the futures bleak, but I can't fathom who would pay up and run the risk at this point.

Maybe some form of 'consortium' would. And us Brits know how reliable those are...

Best of luck, Bianca.
 
spotweld said:
Whilst this is going to be bad news for the park, the worst thing that could happen right now is if Merlin sold up. I know the futures bleak, but I can't fathom who would pay up and run the risk at this point.

Maybe some form of 'consortium' would. And us Brits know how reliable those are...

Best of luck, Bianca.
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Probably needs some Saudi Prince to take over as a play thing. Even they probably wouldn't want it though due to the strict planning rules. Eventually it'll go back to a country house and gardens attraction. Many years from now, obviously.
 
Islander said:
Why on earth would it be a sign “merlin are planning to leave Towers”?
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Would you stay on if you thought your position was vulnerable.

I think Bianca has done a Stella job at making the park feel fresher. And I hope the next person does an equally good job.

I just want Towers to go back to how it was before 2015 it was much better prior to The Smiler incident
 
rob666 said:
With people wandering round wondering why there are so many lumps of rusting metal between the trees and shrubs.
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That'll be just like it was for me in the early 2000s when I was lurking in the undergrowth along the old railway route and nearby finding the defunct footers for the old cable car system supports.

But yeah. It'll be an extra charge on top of the house and gardens access to be able to see the hidden remains of the old theme park. That would be interesting.
 
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