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

flyingguitar said:
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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Well yes …. I was more inferring that our laws are a pain in the **** when trying to push through major projects as opposed to HS2’s specific plan
 
Having had a few rides on guardians of the galaxy cosmic rewind this week again I would love something similar for horizon. While I know can’t build anything as big as cosmic rewind but a similar type of ride system (Intamin offer similar to the Vekoma system used on cosmic rewind) family thrill and a similar more light hearted fun theme with on board audio (random from a selection like cosmic rewind).
 
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I dont think Project Horizon is happening anymore, even more so given Merlin's situation at the mo. Think it's been and gone now, when is the deadline for groundwork to start before they lose permission?
 
Part of me believes they may be redirecting or saving the funds that were allocated to Horizon for future replacements / upgrades of existing rides?

Oblivion is 27 years old, Galactica 23 years, Rita 20. The Smiler is not that old but is getting rough and could be on a similar path to Saw the ride in terms of overall enjoyment being reduced amongst visitors.

And this is just coaster hardware that needs replacement / maintenance - not to mention all the themed areas that are currently lacking (TWODW).

Would another big ride to manage stretch operations and budget too thin while keeping the existing line up too? Maybe they want the next coaster to be a replacement on the Galactica/Rita site as an out and out thrill coaster.

I’d love to see Horizon happen but I think they need a bigger statement piece outdoors that is unique to the UK and potentially Europe to draw crowds and attention again like the Smiler and Wickerman did. Horizon has the potential to do this but marketing an indoor coaster is arguably harder especially if they don’t apply an IP.
 
I suppose a question would be, if this was planned several years ago and approved, why has work not started? Is there any precedent for this? All the other recent and current Merlin attractions with planning have begun construction fairly soon after. Jumanji, Hyperia, Mini Speedway, Paw Patrol, Minecraft. CBeebies…

Which to me suggest something has changed and it’s not happening.
 
Bowser said:
I suppose a question would be, if this was planned several years ago and approved, why has work not started? Is there any precedent for this? All the other recent and current Merlin attractions with planning have begun construction fairly soon after. Jumanji, Hyperia, Mini Speedway, Paw Patrol, Minecraft. CBeebies…

Which to me suggest something has changed and it’s not happening.
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Well maybe it wasn't meant to be constructed right away and planning was approved quicker than they thought.
 
Matt N said:
The original noise assessment said construction was meant to start in Summer 2023 and take 18 months, inferring a 2025 opening. So at this point, I think it’s safe to say that something definitely changed!
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It could be they thought the original plans weren't good enough need something more special along with the area around it needs work before hand not a good look to walk past buildings with nothing going on
 
Tom said:
Or it’s just indefinitely delayed capital, due to their financial issues.
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As I wrote in another thread - they don’t have financial issues just cash flow is a negative £200m in this years accounts.

Taking out accounting adjustments the business is still profitable
 
spotweld said:
Maybe we can forget Project Horizon (for now) and use that space (temporarily) for something called, I don't know, Coaster Corner?

Throw a few janky, crappy coasters in there and a few basic flats.
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They can't use normal coaster because of the Village there's are reason coaster corner was removed
 
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