Chessington World of Adventures has launched a consultation on plans for a new rollercoaster in an Amazon-themed area of the park.
It will be the first new rollercoaster at the Surrey theme park for 17 years, and will have an incomplete circuit, boomerang-style, track layout.
A two-week public consultation into the proposals began on Monday, with a finalised planning application expected to be submitted in early July.
The consultation’s website refers to a “family rollercoaster”, with artist impressions suggesting at least one track inversion and a possible launch mechanism.
A project spokesperson stated that the new rollerocoaster would have a 1.4 metre height restriction, a level usually set for the most thrilling rides.
Consultation material describes the ride experience as being “propelled through banks and turns before coming to a dead end on the track adjacent to a themed structure”.
It adds that the train would then be “propelled along the same route” back to the ride station.
‘Critical to recovery’
Park operator Merlin Entertainments said that the proposals were “critical to the resort’s recovery” from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and enforced closures.
The company added that it “remained committed” to delivering a new family rollercoaster at Chessington, following long-term plans previously being outlined in 2016.
Two additional family rides are also depicted in the proposals, although they are described as children’s rides.
If planning proposals accepted by the local council, project construction is expected to begin in January 2022.
RideRater understands that March 2023 is the planned opening date of the new Amazon area, including the new rollercoaster.
The consultation also revealed that Chessington attracts approximately 1.5 million admissions per year.