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

Hid said:
People won't like it but I can see World of David Walliams Closing next year for a major retheme and overhaul of that area reopening the Theatre, Boat Ride and Café with a new flat or 2, reusing the Nicklodeon Outta Control building for an indoor space.

And the entire area being redone whilst Horizon comes the following it's currently my least favourite area in the resort
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Why wouldn’t people like that?
 
It may as well be closed there is nothing in it?
I’m pretty sure not a single tear will be shed from anyone, not even David.

There isn’t any nostalgia to this area it’s been ruined again and again past any repair, I Think the impression is most will be celebrating when those high fences go up and there actually a future purpose for such a vast dead space, just put it and us fans out of overdue misery.
 
TBoy535 said:
It may as well be closed there is nothing in it?
I’m pretty sure not a single tear will be shed from anyone, not even David.

There isn’t any nostalgia to this area it’s been ruined again and again past any repair, I Think the impression is most will be celebrating when those high fences go up and there actually a future purpose for such a vast dead space, just put it and us fans out of overdue misery.
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Currently there is 4 Attractions for families in that area
 
Bowser said:
Could be rethemed but i think Gangsta Granny is a notable dark ride.

Where would the hypothetical entrance to Horizon be, to the left or right of X Sector? Why has nothing been built on this plot before?
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Probably due to close proximity to the village remember the reason Alton Mouse, Alton Beast and 4 Man Bob were removed was due to the village
 
Hid said:
Probably due to close proximity to the village remember the reason Alton Mouse, Alton Beast and 4 Man Bob were removed was due to the village
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Sure but Horizon seemingly got permission with little trouble and in an era where the park is having less investment so i suppose i'm surprised a dark ride wasn't built in the 30+ years interim.
 
Bowser said:
Where would the hypothetical entrance to Horizon be, to the left or right of X Sector? Why has nothing been built on this plot before?
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The entrance to Horizon is supposed to be between the building which previously housed the Alton Towers Dungeons and The World of David Walliams.

The plot has been built on before, but the attractions within it were closed and moved due to noise complaints. Nothing has been attempted since for a plethora of reasons.

There were concerns that getting planning permission for this site was always going to be contentious, or not possible, for many decades past. The residents in the village now are far more likely to have only ever lived there with a theme park next door. There were also plenty of other areas for the park to expand into and renovate, as a priority. The Horizon plot fell into its current use as a storage area.
 
Is it not surely time for the government/council to scrap these old restrictions. Does it really matter so much if you can see a ride above the treeline?! Sure, I can to some degree understand things not being too close to the village in terms of noise but it's 2025, having a world class theme park is great for the economy. Currently, our UK theme parks don't come close to what you can find in Europe or the USA. We need to be able to have something that draws more people from across the world. Look at some of these insane rollercoasters out there: Steel Vengeance, Zadra, VelociCoaster, Ride To Happiness, Taiga, Maverick, Toutatis, Voltron etc... The UK really lacks something completely standout. If we scrapped off these restrictions, it would help. I mean, look at Hyperia at Thorpe Park, that's drawing a lot of attention and ranks quite highly in terms of standout/best rollercoasters in the world. Alton Towers needs more freedom. I definitely think a quality IBox RMC or a really impressive launched Mack coaster would help. Could really improve The Smiler by adding lapbars too (if at all possible), lapbars are the future for coasters, really adds to the thrill. Take Icon at BPB for example. it's not got crazy inversions or anything, literally has only two but with the double launch, smoothness and lapbars, it's arguably one of the best rollercoasters in the UK, in fact, The Smiler was always IMO the most thrilling coaster in the UK but for me now, I think I prefer Icon, especially with Enso and by the way, I aren't some huge BPB fan, I actually don't rate the park very much at all.
 
shadowsneax said:
Is it not surely time for the government/council to scrap these old restrictions. Does it really matter so much if you can see a ride above the treeline?! Sure, I can to some degree understand things not being too close to the village in terms of noise but it's 2025, having a world class theme park is great for the economy. Currently, our UK theme parks don't come close to what you can find in Europe or the USA. We need to be able to have something that draws more people from across the world. Look at some of these insane rollercoasters out there: Steel Vengeance, Zadra, VelociCoaster, Ride To Happiness, Taiga, Maverick, Toutatis, Voltron etc... The UK really lacks something completely standout. If we scrapped off these restrictions, it would help. I mean, look at Hyperia at Thorpe Park, that's drawing a lot of attention and ranks quite highly in terms of standout/best rollercoasters in the world. Alton Towers needs more freedom. I definitely think a quality IBox RMC or a really impressive launched Mack coaster would help. Could really improve The Smiler by adding lapbars too (if at all possible), lapbars are the future for coasters, really adds to the thrill. Take Icon at BPB for example. it's not got crazy inversions or anything, literally has only two but with the double launch, smoothness and lapbars, it's arguably one of the best rollercoasters in the UK, in fact, The Smiler was always IMO the most thrilling coaster in the UK but for me now, I think I prefer Icon, especially with Enso and by the way, I aren't some huge BPB fan, I actually don't rate the park very much at all.
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I think that there is an argument to be had around it. Personally, I think that the windfarms in the sea look quite nice, but some would say that they're an eyesore. Is there a case that some kind of arch reaching way above the treeline in Alton occasionally having a ride car passing through it could actually be visually pleasing to a majority of local people? I don't mean filling the entire skyline with the stuff, but the odd bit of engineering might add a bit of interest, and it wouldn't be forever. Like I said, I'm not totally sold either way, but I don't feel it should forever be beyond discussion. Especially as the economy would maybe benefit from such things, as you've pointed out.
 
shadowsneax said:
Is it not surely time for the government/council to scrap these old restrictions. Does it really matter so much if you can see a ride above the treeline?! Sure, I can to some degree understand things not being too close to the village in terms of noise but it's 2025, having a world class theme park is great for the economy. Currently, our UK theme parks don't come close to what you can find in Europe or the USA. We need to be able to have something that draws more people from across the world. Look at some of these insane rollercoasters out there: Steel Vengeance, Zadra, VelociCoaster, Ride To Happiness, Taiga, Maverick, Toutatis, Voltron etc... The UK really lacks something completely standout. If we scrapped off these restrictions, it would help. I mean, look at Hyperia at Thorpe Park, that's drawing a lot of attention and ranks quite highly in terms of standout/best rollercoasters in the world. Alton Towers needs more freedom. I definitely think a quality IBox RMC or a really impressive launched Mack coaster would help. Could really improve The Smiler by adding lapbars too (if at all possible), lapbars are the future for coasters, really adds to the thrill. Take Icon at BPB for example. it's not got crazy inversions or anything, literally has only two but with the double launch, smoothness and lapbars, it's arguably one of the best rollercoasters in the UK, in fact, The Smiler was always IMO the most thrilling coaster in the UK but for me now, I think I prefer Icon, especially with Enso and by the way, I aren't some huge BPB fan, I actually don't rate the park very much at all.
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The existence of "old restrictions" is questionable anyway. I think @Squiggs has said before that there isn't actually any hard set rules, just general guidance. Its possible that AT could ask for planning permission for a coaster taller than the treeline and it be permitted in the right part of the park, but also something shorter in the wrong part, closer to the village is not allowed. But also the era of trying to break records is slightly behind us and more coasters now are centred on the overall experience being fun and immersive.
 
BarryZola said:
I think that there is an argument to be had around it. Personally, I think that the windfarms in the sea look quite nice, but some would say that they're an eyesore. Is there a case that some kind of arch reaching way above the treeline in Alton occasionally having a ride car passing through it could actually be visually pleasing to a majority of local people? I don't mean filling the entire skyline with the stuff, but the odd bit of engineering might add a bit of interest, and it wouldn't be forever. Like I said, I'm not totally sold either way, but I don't feel it should forever be beyond discussion. Especially as the economy would maybe benefit from such things, as you've pointed out.
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I think this is an issue wider than just Alton. And definitely a discussion point for a brave and forward thinking government (so not this one)

It surely must be the reason why HS2 costs have spiralled beyond control, as well as many an engineering project before. It’ll also allow us to build the houses and infrastructure we so desperately need at less cost.

For me - a real winner
 
jon81uk said:
The existence of "old restrictions" is questionable anyway. I think @Squiggs has said before that there isn't actually any hard set rules, just general guidance. Its possible that AT could ask for planning permission for a coaster taller than the treeline and it be permitted in the right part of the park, but also something shorter in the wrong part, closer to the village is not allowed. But also the era of trying to break records is slightly behind us and more coasters now are centred on the overall experience being fun and immersive.
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Oblivion is probably the one coaster that pushes the planning restrictions the most. You can clearly see the coaster when you’re out walking in Dimmingsdale, plus the views from the top of the lift are awesome, which of course everywhere you can see can also see the coaster.
 
shadowsneax said:
Is it not surely time for the government/council to scrap these old restrictions. Does it really matter so much if you can see a ride above the treeline?! Sure, I can to some degree understand things not being too close to the village in terms of noise but it's 2025, having a world class theme park is great for the economy. Currently, our UK theme parks don't come close to what you can find in Europe or the USA. We need to be able to have something that draws more people from across the world. Look at some of these insane rollercoasters out there: Steel Vengeance, Zadra, VelociCoaster, Ride To Happiness, Taiga, Maverick, Toutatis, Voltron etc... The UK really lacks something completely standout. If we scrapped off these restrictions, it would help. I mean, look at Hyperia at Thorpe Park, that's drawing a lot of attention and ranks quite highly in terms of standout/best rollercoasters in the world. Alton Towers needs more freedom. I definitely think a quality IBox RMC or a really impressive launched Mack coaster would help. Could really improve The Smiler by adding lapbars too (if at all possible), lapbars are the future for coasters, really adds to the thrill. Take Icon at BPB for example. it's not got crazy inversions or anything, literally has only two but with the double launch, smoothness and lapbars, it's arguably one of the best rollercoasters in the UK, in fact, The Smiler was always IMO the most thrilling coaster in the UK but for me now, I think I prefer Icon, especially with Enso and by the way, I aren't some huge BPB fan, I actually don't rate the park very much at all.
Click to expand...
Ther restriction is the reason Alton have to be innovative in their Projects Nemesis proves you can build an elite coaster without going above the treeline. A Multi Launch Coaster stays low to the ground mostly and would be the best fit for Towers
 
Jb85 said:
It surely must be the reason why HS2 costs have spiralled beyond control, as well as many an engineering project before. It’ll also allow us to build the houses and infrastructure we so desperately need at less cost.
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Not quite, it is a reason however from my understanding HS2 tried a new way of building these things, rather than plan it all at once and then build it, they built part of it whilst some parts (such as the stations) weren't designed with the idea of saving money and time, but this back fired as small design changed required construction changes costing money
 
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