Thorpe Park has submitted a planning application for what would be the UK’s tallest rollercoaster.
If approved by Runnymede Borough Council in the coming months, the ride is expected to open in March 2024.
Planning documents reveal that the 236-foot (72-metre) tall ride was originally earmarked to have a longer footprint at ground level.
The track was later “condensed” in order to mitigate environmental impact, it is claimed in the application.
It will be a gravity-driven rollercoaster with a conventional chain lift, and have a top speed of 81 mph.
If the ride’s top speed is verified, it would also be the fastest rollercoaster in the United Kingdom, beating Thorpe Park’s own Stealth by 1 mph.
£18 million investment
A train concept image suggests that the rollercoaster will be built by Germany’s Mack Rides, whose last major UK addition was Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2018.
The ride, which is being referred to as Project Exodus at this stage, has an estimated delivery cost of £18 million, plans say.
Thorpe Park said that the ride’s proposal was “strongly supported” during consultations held between December and January.
The track design indicated by the earlier consultation has however attracted criticism from ride enthusiasts for its apparent short length.
Subject to approval, construction of the rollercoaster is expected to begin later this year.