Matt N
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Shambhala (PortAventura Park)
Hi guys. As many of you may know, the London Resort recently announced intentions to hold public consultations later in 2020. However, I’ve noticed that there seems to be growing cynicism surrounding the project as of late. While I know that there are many reasons why people are cynical about that particular project, it leads back to something I’ve noticed in general; I think British people seem to have far more cynicism surrounding theme parks on the whole than in other countries. Let me explain why I think this.
Now, I may have used the cynicism surrounding the London Resort as an example above, but I think there are numerous, better examples I could use. For example; most theme park projects touted for this country seem to be majorly opposed by locals and the media. As an example, I remember reading about a project named Legend Court that would have been built not far from where I live. It was billed at the time (I think this was late 1990s to early 2000s) as being one of Europe’s largest theme parks. However, the locals majorly opposed it and planning permission was almost unanimously rejected, and Legend Court then became infamous for how hated it was and locals feared another project like it being opposed. Projects like this one seem to get off the ground far more easily and with far more support in other countries than they do in Britain.
Another example I can think of is a project that did actually materialise; Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I remember reading through a news article that had some scathing comments on it from locals, including:
Another thing that I think backs up my point is the strict planning restrictions that most theme parks in this country are subjected to in comparison to theme parks in other countries. Most theme parks in Britain seem to have some form of height restrictions, noise restrictions or some other form of restriction in place, which you don’t tend to find as much abroad. A significant proportion of theme park projects in Britain seem to get fierce opposition, in some cases so fierce that the application is withdrawn or rejected. And even excluding new rides, British residents do not seem supportive of theme parks on the whole; take the Ropers and Alton Towers, for example.
There’s also the matter that I think theme parks are often treated as being quite childish in this country; I quite often get told that I should “get out of theme parks and get into the real world more” or “grow out” of my theme park enthusiasm.
But what are your thoughts?
Now, I may have used the cynicism surrounding the London Resort as an example above, but I think there are numerous, better examples I could use. For example; most theme park projects touted for this country seem to be majorly opposed by locals and the media. As an example, I remember reading about a project named Legend Court that would have been built not far from where I live. It was billed at the time (I think this was late 1990s to early 2000s) as being one of Europe’s largest theme parks. However, the locals majorly opposed it and planning permission was almost unanimously rejected, and Legend Court then became infamous for how hated it was and locals feared another project like it being opposed. Projects like this one seem to get off the ground far more easily and with far more support in other countries than they do in Britain.
Another example I can think of is a project that did actually materialise; Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I remember reading through a news article that had some scathing comments on it from locals, including:
What a waste of money; think about how many houses £16m could build!
That definitely doesn’t imply that theme parks are well liked in Britain.The town and the country need things other than a new roller coaster right now; some investment into things that are actually important like road improvements and public services would be a start!
Another thing that I think backs up my point is the strict planning restrictions that most theme parks in this country are subjected to in comparison to theme parks in other countries. Most theme parks in Britain seem to have some form of height restrictions, noise restrictions or some other form of restriction in place, which you don’t tend to find as much abroad. A significant proportion of theme park projects in Britain seem to get fierce opposition, in some cases so fierce that the application is withdrawn or rejected. And even excluding new rides, British residents do not seem supportive of theme parks on the whole; take the Ropers and Alton Towers, for example.
There’s also the matter that I think theme parks are often treated as being quite childish in this country; I quite often get told that I should “get out of theme parks and get into the real world more” or “grow out” of my theme park enthusiasm.
But what are your thoughts?