Construction of the Stargazing Pods began shortly after the plans were approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in July 2018, with the development completed for their April 2019 opening.
The first foundations have already been laid for some of the proposed pods, with rectangular hardcore bases installed ready to have a final layer of concrete poured on top. Trenches have also been dug to enable the installation of the electrical cabling. Rectangular holes have been excavated on the raised area of the green waiting to be filled with concrete to form more foundations. Around the boundaries of the construction site a large fence is in the process of being installed.
Groundwork for the pods and associated building has been progressing steadily as the foundations are laid for more of the pods. Work is also underway on the foundations for the facilities building. A large trench has been dug to the southern end of the site, with a smaller off-shoot trench also dug on the eastern end of the site. In the materials storage area, the transformer boxes for the electricity supply have been delivered. The construction fences surrounding the site have now been decorated with artwork advertising the new Stargazing Pods.
Guests who want a sneak peek at what the finished Stargazing Pods will look like can now take a look at three pods which have been installed on the lawns in front of the Towers Ruins next to the Goalstriker unit. These demonstration pods offer a first glimpse into the interior of the new accommodation, which can sleep up to four guests – two in a double bed at the rear of the pod, and one guest each on a single bed to either side of the front section of the pod. Each bed has its own plug socket, all of which also feature a USB plug to allow guests to charge any mobile devices without having to take up the full plug socket. Above each bed is a small shelf which can hold a phone, or small wash bag. There is also space underneath each bed to store bags and cases.
The first pods are in place at the north-eastern end of the development area, Currently installed from the eastern end of the site (next to where the entertainment tipi will be located) around to the top of the site. Each of the pods constructed so far already has electrical wiring in place behind each one. Further pods can be seen in the car park at the north of the site. To the south of the construction site, work is continuing on the facilities block, with both the exterior and interior walls approximately half built. Elsewhere on the site, what appear to be temporary roadways are also being installed. There is also ongoing works to install various utilities, and other materials have recently been delivered.
With just over 2 months to go until The Alton Towers Stargazing Pods welcome their first guests, the majority of the pods have now been installed, and the facilities block appears to be almost complete with it now awaiting its exterior cladding. Landscaping is in progress with several areas having turf laid, and a bank having been constructed along the edge of the development next to the road. A number of young trees have also been planted.
With just over 1 month to go until the Alton Towers Stargazing Pods open to the public, construction is entering its final stages. With all of the pods now in position, work on the landscaping and scenery of the area is taking place. The facilities block is nearing completion, with theming being added to the exterior of the cladded building. In the centre of the development, telescopes have been installed. Elsewhere on the site, the Enchanted TiPi has returned to its original location, having been located in the Splash Landings Hotel car park over the festive season, and the entrance archway to the Stargazing Pods area is now in place.
With one month until Alton Towers Resort is set to open its latest accommodation offering, Alton Towers Stargazing Pods, the Resort invited TowersTimes, alongside other enthusiast communities, to a special ‘Meet the Maker’ event on 12th March 2019 to explore the new accommodation site.
