[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved

[TBoy535]

It feels like it was years ago now but does anyone remember John Wardley comments regarding “new ride hardware” coming to Alton Towers during his interview? I feel I remember somewhere him saying the theme for the rollercoaster is rather “Wacky”

I have a feeling a lot of plans have changed since this day?

 

[AT86]

I believe the term regarding the theme was ‘whimsical’.

 

[s_g_k]

I remember this. There was a “mic drop” moment where I believe someone asked JW a question along the lines of what new hardware excites you the most and where will it be going, to which he replied it’s coming along here, as in Alton Towers. I think it was a 2022 Q&A event?

Regardless, we’re still waiting…

 

[John_P]

 

[Jb85]

I still have little faith this will go ahead. You wouldn’t get planning all that time ago and not have started anything by now surely…

 

[Poisson]

You would if you were concerned it'd take several rounds of adjustment, then it sailed through first time.

 

[Matt N]

They did originally state in the application that the ride was to start construction in Summer 2023 for a 2025 opening, however. I can’t remember exactly which document, but it definitely said this somewhere in the application.

With this in mind, I think it might be fair to assume that the ride has at very least been delayed.

To be honest, I think 2026 is even potentially a long shot at this point. The location admittedly makes it harder to tell whether construction is occurring, but given that we’ve heard of no construction back there even via drone, I think it’s likely that nothing major is happening.

 

[Poisson]

I would be in favour of a semi decent delay on it, if they actually sort out the offering in the rest of the park with the numerous issues it has

 

[Dave]

They did originally state in the application that the ride was to start construction in Summer 2023 for a 2025 opening, however. I can’t remember exactly which document, but it definitely said this somewhere in the application.

With this in mind, I think it might be fair to assume that the ride has at very least been delayed.

To be honest, I think 2026 is even potentially a long shot at this point. The location admittedly makes it harder to tell whether construction is occurring, but given that we’ve heard of no construction back there even via drone, I think it’s likely that nothing major is happening.

It didn’t say it would open in 2025 but it implied it would based on forecasted construction time.

That said I think it’s been paused, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if Towers gets nothing new in 2026. Every sign suggests Merlin are massively curtailing spend.

 

[Matt N]

It didn’t say it would open in 2025 but it implied it would based on forecasted construction time.

That said I think it’s been paused, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if Towers gets nothing new in 2026. Every sign suggests Merlin are massively curtailing spend.

If I’m remembering correctly, I think it was something like “18 month construction period starting in Summer 2023”, which would infer an intended 2025 opening even if it wasn’t explicitly stated.

I agree it’s likely been paused or adjusted for whatever reason, but I’m not sure Merlin are necessarily curtailing CAPEX spend. Chessington is getting a big, expensive Minecraft land in 2027, and Thorpe seem to be planning a permanent hotel if the recent documents are anything to go by. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the removal of Slammer after 7 years of being left dormant leads to a flat ride addition in the not too distant future. Alton Towers admittedly looks a bit stagnant after Project Ocean if Project Horizon doesn’t have anything happen on it soon, but they could have other yet-to-be-announced plans (at IAAPA last year, as well as an Attraction Source event with Bianca, there were rumblings that Project Ocean was one of three flat rides purchased from Huss for Alton Towers… maybe we’ll see the other two materialise?).

They’re wielding the knife on OPEX, for sure, but I’m not sure this has necessarily extended to CAPEX to the same extent.

 

[QTXAdsy]

Everyone is jumping to conclusions that Horizon has either gone to Chessie or cancelled outright. However for all we know as soon as they have Project Ocean up then the crew might move to Coaster Corner to start work as we speak. Only when a shovel is in the ground then we'll know.

 

[Jb85]

You may have a point here @QTXAdsy.
If the main construction of ocean is done this month, and immediately work starts on Horizon, what does that look like in terms of opening, May 26?

 

[Dave]

Everyone is jumping to conclusions that Horizon has either gone to Chessie or cancelled outright. However for all we know as soon as they have Project Ocean up then the crew might move to Coaster Corner to start work as we speak. Only when a shovel is in the ground then we'll know.

I doubt it’s cancelled outright, I suspect it might be delayed however.

Plus the construction team for a flat ride is far smaller than one for a big indoor coaster, I doubt any construction is awaiting the small crew running the ocean site.

 

[Danny]

WARNING: The following images may be considered offensive and disturbing to drone cancel culture police. Viewer discretion is advised. Images were taken in accordance with CAA guidelines and are not to be distributed beyond TS without prior consultation. Images from today, 24/11/24.

At the time I would have liked to have taken more images, but it was a real battle with the elements today. Then on reflection, naff all has really happened. We certainly won't be seeing a site team moving here in the next month or so.

 

[s_g_k]

WARNING: The following images may be considered offensive and disturbing to drone cancel culture police. Viewer discretion is advised. Images were taken in accordance with CAA guidelines and are not to be distributed beyond TS without prior consultation. Images from today, 24/11/24.

At the time I would have liked to have taken more images, but it was a real battle with the elements today. Then on reflection, naff all has really happened. We certainly won't be seeing a site team moving here in the next month or so.

Where’s the Sizzler gone? I don’t recall it being removed during closed seasons previously.

 

[AT86]

I notice Flavios has gone. Does it get removed every year?

Edit: beaten to it.

 

[John_P]

End of the day the planning permission was filed over 2 years ago and since then we've had new management at the top of Merlin and at park level to properly look at what the park needs.

Nemesis removed and rebuilt plus the extra cash pumped into the areas thematic pieces, and the planning and building of a new flat ride.

Plus the sudden announcement of a major new competitor suddenly looking to enter the UK market in a way that could alter forever the dynamics of park visitation in the country.

End of the day they got planning permission and have a good few years before they need to put a spade in the ground, and even then they can probably fudge it by doing the required site prep and then stalling.

Could even be they want to see if Universal do commit as then they might want their next major investment into Alton Towers, which at this rate will be the last on prior to Universal UK, to be more of a wow and a statement ride they can market than some mysterious ride in a box.

 

[BBoyJD10]

I notice Flavios has gone. Does it get removed every year?

Edit: beaten to it.

Cost cutting !

 

[dave___]

I notice Flavios has gone. Does it get removed every year?

Edit: beaten to it.

I don’t seem to remember it vanishing but not sure anyone has every really paid much attention to the back end of the park closed season?

Wouldn’t surprise me if it needs a bit of TLC though.

 

[Squiggs]

Of all the Retro Squad rides, I don't recall ever seeing Flavio's removed during the closed season. But obviously this is the first year it's not slated to open during Christmas.