In late April 2015, the resort submitted a planning application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council regarding an extension to the existing Air Shop. The plans detailed the use of the existing building as a restaurant space, with the extension facilitating a new shop at the front of the building, and kitchen and plant areas at the back.
The Rollercoaster Restaurant was largely constructed as the plans proposed, although the entrance’s theming featured was simplified to what was shown in the plans.
The submitted plans showed an extension to the both sides of the Air Shop building, with the kitchen & toilets at the rear and a new single storey shop built on the existing picnic and viewing plaza to the left of the existing building (which overlooked the rollercoaster). Access to the shop would be provided via the existing fire doors from the exit stairs of the ride. A new corridor at the top of the stairs would be created with riders entering the shop on right. Upon entering the shop, it was shown that guests would pass the ride photo counter before entering the main retail area. On the opposite side of the building, a two-storey extension housing the kitchen, toilets and plant would be built. The extension would be built on stilts to allow continued access for guests who require the use of the disabled entrance to the ride via the existing path behind the current building. Also proposed was a new themed feature entrance, with initial plans showing a large installation comprised of a mix of concentric arches, ride track and giant cutlery.
These concepts showed how the restaurant would celebrate the theme park’s past and present rollercoasters, featuring photos, plans and concept images on its interior walls.
