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Drayton Manor Park

I know many of us had a feeling that the park might get bought out by somebody if it went under, so nice to see that some of our predictions are potentially coming true, both from the standpoint of the park’s operational longevity and the standpoint of some of us being proven right; a win-win situation all round!
 
Matt N said:
I know many of us had a feeling that the park might get bought out by somebody if it went under, so nice to see that some of our predictions are potentially coming true, both from the standpoint of the park’s operational longevity and the standpoint of some of us being proven right; a win-win situation all round!
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Neither of the two rumoured buyers have deep enough pockets to turn the park around so I wouldn't get carried away.
 
I’m pretty sure even in this situation someone would snap it up. If Thomas land is part of the assets so is transferable then it’s a win win situation. Drayton has a lot going for it with assets and location that I’m sure someone will always be willing to take over.
 
rob666 said:
Five hundred million...really?
Maybe new retail...but in a "going bust sale", maybe ten million in valuable assests when nobody is buying because of covid.
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Sorry I was adding up what I thought the whole land was worth, Hotel, Function rooms, Lodges, Caravan&camp site, Rides on the park, Restaurants, Shops and the Zoo.

Back in 2015 when Drayton was last at there peak the net worth just on the park was worth just over 11 million and in 2019 that went down to just under 5 million.
 
With the Mellor's deal all but confirmed to have fell through from what I've read from a few places, it would seem we're looking at a pre-pack administration now. The old company folds, then a new company with what seems to be some similar directors will then purchase the assets via new finance (loans and/or director's funds) and continue operation.

Questionable business practice to some extent, but then by the looks of the park's finances if this didn't happen suppliers would be losing money regardless when the company folded some other way. At least with a pre-pack, existing relationships are still there and suppliers are able to receive money from the park moving forward. The business and popularity of the park away from their ridiculously unlucky three-way issues of flood, rapids incident and COVID are probably incredibly solid, so getting rid of debt now, however unfortunate that may be on creditors is the best way of continuing the park's operation.

I would imagine once/if this happens we'll be saying goodbye to what's left of the thrill side of things at the park. It's clear that's been hobbling along for some time now, and with a declining portfolio on that side of things, now is probably the best time for them to push the family side of things further and concentrate on that at least for the time being.
 
I can see Drayton getting more like Chessington or Paultons Park, with a couple of slightly more thrilling attractions, but once Shockwave has gone I can't see them having any large (ie 1.4m height restriction) coasters at all.
If they could afford it, replacing Shockwave with a simpler family coaster would be good, but I don't see it happening for quite some time, but they will need new rides to attract families in the future.
 
Oooof! So I was planning on going just to get a fix of Shockwave. I’ve not ridden it in years but really enjoy the ride.
Shockwave, Apocalypse, The Haunting and just to enjoy Maelstrom and Pandemonium. Seems like I’d be disappointed if I went? I feel really sad for Shockwave
 
Alolan Diglett said:
Oooof! So I was planning on going just to get a fix of Shockwave. I’ve not ridden it in years but really enjoy the ride.
Shockwave, Apocalypse, The Haunting and just to enjoy Maelstrom and Pandemonium. Seems like I’d be disappointed if I went? I feel really sad for Shockwave
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As far as we know those rides are currently operating, the future closure of thrill rides is rumour and speculation at the moment.
 
Craig said:
Shockwave is closed "until further notice", The Haunting is closed due to Covid restrictions at present.
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I'm sure I read on this thread that Shockwave was open, oops. The website doesn't seem to give any indication that it is closed at the moment either.
 
jon81uk said:
I'm sure I read on this thread that Shockwave was open, oops. The website doesn't seem to give any indication that it is closed at the moment either.
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https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/tickets-and-prices/rides-20201

Was supposed to open on the 18th July but it didn’t. I was told it was technical issues which would take 1-2 weeks to resolve, but it still hasn’t opened. So I’m not sure what the future of the attraction is now.
 
Don't want to jump to conclusions, but they could decide to bring forward Shockwave's removal if it can't be fixed.
 
skyscraper said:
Don't want to jump to conclusions, but they could decide to bring forward Shockwave's removal if it can't be fixed.
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Yes, this is what I’m worried about. There are rumours floating around that it could be a major problem, in which case they could simply just leave it SBNO and then bring the removal forward.

I want to go to the park this season, but never been on shockwave before. I’m waiting for the coaster to open before I go, but I’m worried it never will.
 
OilyWater said:
Somehow I dont think they’ll see it that way
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Benjsh said:
Neither of the two rumoured buyers have deep enough pockets to turn the park around so I wouldn't get carried away.
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They said that they hoped they could provide more positive news today about new investment into the business, which I’m assuming means a new owner. And surely the park will be more financially stable in the long term if it’s owned by a larger group who can prop it up as opposed to relying solely on itself and the funds of a family?

If the park sounded happy about it in the email to their employees, then I’d assume it can only be a good thing!
 
Matt N said:
They said that they hoped they could provide more positive news today about new investment into the business, which I’m assuming means a new owner. And surely the park will be more financially stable in the long term if it’s owned by a larger group who can prop it up as opposed to relying solely on itself and the funds of a family?

If the park sounded happy about it in the email to their employees, then I’d assume it can only be a good thing!
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If a business is still operating, it's in their best interests to provide reassurance to employees, there's not a chance they would sound negative. Without that reassurance, there is a chance many would not turn up as there is a possibility they may not be paid should they go down the route of administration.

I don't see any sort of larger group purchasing the park at present, I'm sticking to the view of it being a pre-pack administration and the park remaining family owned. They get rid of the debts, the staff are TUPE'd over and it's the quickest way to keep the business running over a very crucial time of year.

As said though, I don't see any major investment coming through for the park in the near term. I'm presuming a family focus, the ageing thrill portfolio being sold/removed and a new focus on serving families with 1.2m max rides.
 
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