A thrilling new roller coaster offering “spectacular views” along the coast is the latest new attraction being earmarked for Southport Pleasureland
The stunning 35 metre high ‘Thunderbolt’ ride would be built right along Marine Drive coast road, becoming a dominant new landmark that can be seen for miles by people living along the Lancashire coast and beyond.
Earlier this month, Supreme Attractions owner Norman Wallis, who owns Southport Pleasureland, submitted plans for another substantial landmark – a 35 metre high observation wheel next to the Marine Lake in Southport.
The latest project is to construct a new roller coaster which would take people on bends and loops at speeds of up to 90 kilometres per hour.
The site is alongside the Marine Drive coast road and is not located in a Conservation Area or adjacent to any protected buildings.
The ride is designed to fit a long narrow plot measuring 260m x 15m and has a maximum height of 35m, the height meaning that planning permission is required.
The plans have been drawn up by local firm RAL Architects.
In their submission, they said: “The proposed plot is an underused area of Southport Pleasureland and will provide a significant new attraction for the amusement park.
“The location is within the Pleasureland site and will allow spectacular views out to the beach to the west and to the east towards Pleasureland, the Marine Lake and Southport town centre.
“Pleasureland Amusement Park has been in existence since 1913 and has a long history and a wide variety of amusement park rides.
“The colours of the steel structure supporting the ride will be white with the track orange (to be confirmed).
“The cars on the ride will be a variety of colours befitting an amusement park.
“The opening times will match those of the theme park. Opening hours from 10am till 12am midnight and will require six new full-time employees providing ride operators and engineers.
“Pleasureland Amusement Park has been contributing significantly to Southport’s reputation and leisure offer since 1913 and brings more visitors to Southport than any other leisure offer.
“This new ride will enhance the offer and improve the reputation of Pleasureland helping to draw further visitors to the town.
“It is located within the grounds of the amusement park and the principle of the attraction is therefore established.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
