In February 2024, Alton Towers submitted plans for the addition of a new attraction in Forbidden Valley. Referred to as Project Ocean, details about specifically what model of attraction is being proposed were not disclosed in plans. However, the attraction was referred to as being “more fixed” in nature than its predecessor, suggesting that it will be a permanent flat ride.
20th November 2024
The first major elements of Project Ocean’s ride system were delivered to Alton Towers, being the two main supports, arms and counter weights for a HUSS Rides Suspended Top Spin. Following a snowfall, the components were in the process of being moved to Forbidden Valley for installation.
10th November 2024
As the end of the season approached, the concrete base for Project Ocean continued to develop with additional features including stairs and a lift installed. Steel anchor bases have been added to either side of the platform where the ride supports will connect to. Landscaping work is underway, all in readiness for the installation of the ride hardware over the closed season. Further theming was added opposite the construction site for the Fireworks weekend which coincided with the first teaser for the new attraction, inviting guests to return to ride in 2025.
13th October 2024
The concrete platform that the ride will sit on now appears complete, with the majority of wooden casts and scaffolding removed, other than at the back of the structure where block work is taking place. The queue line continues to take shape, with the sides visibly sloping down towards the ride platform, and wooden casts in position to pour the concrete for steps. During the opening weekend of Scarefest, and alongside the first teaser for the new for 2025 attraction, signage and green flashing lights were added to the construction walls along with the construction site illuminated in a toxic green colour.
16th June 2024
The tunnel and platform structure continued to take shape, with the vertical rebar completed on one side which was then enclosed by a wooden cast in preparation for the concrete to be poured. Further wooden casts had been placed around the foundations for the queue line at the upper end of the site.
18th May 2024
The site had been completely cleared and utility work, such as drainage, commenced underneath where the concrete tunnel and platform will be situated. A temporary fence was built around BUNKER 94 to facilitate staff access to the rear of the building and what appear to be site offices.
17th March 2024
With the planning application still under consideration at the start of the 2024 season, the only development of note at the prospective site was the erection of black construction hoarding around the southern area, next to the newly opened Supply Store BUNKER 94. The fenced off area is due to primarily be used for the attraction’s queue line, along with one side of the building’s foundation.
February 2024 – Plans Submitted
A planning application was submitted for the addition of a new attraction in Forbidden Valley, broadly located in the area most recently occupied by Funk’n’Fly. Referred to as Project Ocean, details about specifically what model of attraction is being proposed were not disclosed. However, it was noted to be “more fixed” in nature than that of Funk’n’Fly, a travelling flat ride, and that it will sit outdoors atop a 4.8m tall building. The attraction will measure 11.5m in length and 14.5m in width, and stand at an approximate overall height of 18m from ground level, implying that the attraction itself will be around 13.2m tall. The building is positioned further north-east than Funk’n’Fly, closer to the Coffee Lounge, and occupies a larger footprint. It will therefore sit across the path that runs along the south-west side of Forbidden Valley, and so will incorporate an an east-west walkway that takes guests underneath the elevated attraction. Cast in-situ concrete will be used to form the structure of the building, with its walls set to receive a light-themed finish through the application of stencilled designs. There will also be two circular themed structures, located on opposing sides of the building (i.e. the northern and southern sides) and standing at approximately half the height of the attraction.
The entrance to the attraction’s queue line will be located to the right of Supply Store BUNKER 94. The queue will take guests through a cattlepen on the southern side of the attraction until eventually climbing a steel staircase to reach the level at which the attraction will be boarded. A lift will also be available to aid with accessibility. It is notable that two gates are shown through which guests will enter to board the attraction, suggesting that there will two sets of seats, potentially located back-to-back. After experiencing the attraction, guests will exit through a singular gate on the opposite side and descend another steel staircase back to ground level. A closer look at the elevation plans and 3D renderings, reveals that there is no fencing along the two sides of the top of the building which face towards the pathway below – instead there is a slightly shorter wall. This seems to imply that the attraction will potentially swing in the east-west direction.
