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[202X] Project Horizon (SW9?): Planning Approved
Dave
TS Founding Member
It does appear that there will be very little theming or themed facade on the front of the building, which is…odd.
Not had time to go through the documents but they don’t always put the theming on the plans, they just outline the size and sometimes a scheme of colour and texture options usually with the caveat that they will get permission from the planners during construction.
Rob
TS Team
The planning portal has now crashed, lovely.
Looks like they want to begin construction in Spring 2023 if given planning permission.
Doesn't look like there are any major new details in the application either, it is all very vague with lots still to be confirmed. Not overly encouraged by plans for the facade though, it feels like you may be able to see a lot of the green warehouse from public areas of the park.
Looks like they want to begin construction in Spring 2023 if given planning permission.
Doesn't look like there are any major new details in the application either, it is all very vague with lots still to be confirmed. Not overly encouraged by plans for the facade though, it feels like you may be able to see a lot of the green warehouse from public areas of the park.
AT86
TS Member
Not had time to go through the documents but they don’t always put the theming on the plans, they just outline the size and sometimes a scheme of colour and texture options usually with the caveat that they will get permission from the planners during construction.
Hopefully there is more to come theming wise. My initial comment was based around the description in the design and access statement (which I can't get to now because the website is down) and the images such as this, showing very little in the way of theming for the front of the building.

Plastic Person
TS Member
Looks like they want to begin construction in Spring 2023 if given planning permission.
This detail, plus the Soarin'-esque building profile, suggests to me this could after all be a Flying Theatre, or some variation thereof.
SW9 to follow in 2025...?
Rob
TS Team
The SMDC planning portal certainly is!Looks slow.

Skyscraper
TS Member
Probably gone down due to the amount of geeks trying to access it it at the same timeThe SMDC planning portal certainly is!![]()

tayspru
TS Member
What I could see for this is a minimal / modern exterior, emulating an airport terminal. The open glass atrium seems to fit well with this. The large arc structure I speculate will show an animated logo of some kind. The interior of the building would see pre shows themed around the idea of a unique flight taking in the sights of the United Kingdom.
The ride experience would be broadly similar to Soarin, but with the dynamic motion that is achieved by FotSL (I expect they’ll use this ride system as it’s proven by Merlin). There’s a lot to cover here, but certainly I’d expect a mix of cityscape, landscape, and monuments such as Stonehenge and Big Ben to make appearances. The finale would take place flying over Alton Towers during fireworks, and then “arriving” back at the attraction itself.
The building could well have space for a small exit shop, this could be an arrival lounge / Duty Free set up to continue the theme. A British Airways sponsorship would add much needed gravitas and class
I wouldn’t hate it
The ride experience would be broadly similar to Soarin, but with the dynamic motion that is achieved by FotSL (I expect they’ll use this ride system as it’s proven by Merlin). There’s a lot to cover here, but certainly I’d expect a mix of cityscape, landscape, and monuments such as Stonehenge and Big Ben to make appearances. The finale would take place flying over Alton Towers during fireworks, and then “arriving” back at the attraction itself.
The building could well have space for a small exit shop, this could be an arrival lounge / Duty Free set up to continue the theme. A British Airways sponsorship would add much needed gravitas and class
I wouldn’t hate it
tayspru
TS Member
I’d guess this isn’t the big thing, they’re opening Exodus in 2024 and I can’t see them drawing from that. 2025 I reckon will be the next coasterSo ... It isn't "happening here".
More to this, or this isn't the big thing.
tayspru
TS Member
I just can’t imagine a major coaster having such a bland exterior, and for a £12.5million price tag I can’t imagine it would be very good, nevermind the “next big thing” in coastersWhether it is a coaster or other ride, this is clearly the next big thing at Alton Towers. I still think an indoor coaster is most likely for this.
Skyscraper
TS Member
Benjsh
TS Member
£12.5m does seem rather low for a building of that size plus a coaster too. Although I always think parks over egg their investments to include the marketing with it too so it might not be far off.
I really hope it's not a Flying Theatre (I still don't think it is) as they are incredibly dull rides. They are a 'once and done' type of attraction in my eyes and just don't have the same re-ride appeal like a dark ride and coasters have.
I really hope it's not a Flying Theatre (I still don't think it is) as they are incredibly dull rides. They are a 'once and done' type of attraction in my eyes and just don't have the same re-ride appeal like a dark ride and coasters have.
Skyscraper
TS Member
What interests me is the three sets of doors linking the extension to the main building. Preshows maybe?
Benjsh
TS Member
Beginning construction in Spring 2023 suggests that this is a 2024 project rather than 2025 right?
Not necessarily. I still think a 2025 opening seems more realistic given the Nemmy re-birth in 2024.