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Blackpool Tower Merlin makeover coming soon


Blackpool’s famous tower will be fully functioning again in time for the UK resort’s illuminations at the start of September, Merlin Entertainment has confirmed. The landmark attraction was purchased last year by Blackpool Council, which has entered into a partnership with Merlin to develop the building at the foot of the tower. Merlin will rebrand the observation platform as the Blackpool Tower Eye, complete with an extended glass floor and 4D cinema. It will also launch its Dungeon brand into Blackpool for the first time. The Blackpool Tower Dungeon will depict the ‘worst’ of local history including Cromwell’s exploits and the Pendle Witch trials. As from September 1, access to the tower complex will be free, with visitors only paying for those attractions that they want to visit. Merlin believes that this will encourage local visitors to make the tower a regular venue whether it is a trip to the circus, up to the observation tower with family and friends or afternoon tea in the fabulous ballroom.


Merlin already has a long association with Blackpool through its Sea Life aquarium on the promenade, and this month will open a Madame Tussauds attraction in the old Louis Tussauds waxworks building. Yet the opportunity to get involved with the tower at the invitation of the council was an opportunity too good to miss. “Blackpool is a very special town, in a very important region of the country for tourism,” says Merlin CEO Nick Varney. “Blackpool has a belief in itself and its future success which is demonstrated by the council’s ambitious regeneration plans. We are delighted to be a part of those plans.”


Once the tower reopens, Merlin will operate seven attractions in the town – more than anywhere else in the UK, including London.


Sea Life staff get new look


Staff at 28 Sea Life aquariums and attractions in Europe and the USA have a new uniform courtesy of Taylor Made Designs. “We were given a very specific remit in accordance with the brand guidelines,” explains Ed Taylor. “At the same time, staff wanted to look good and have the practical issues of their roles addressed.” The solution came as a combination of practical, low cut combat style trousers, slightly fitted Polo shirts and soft shell jackets conducive with both indoor and outdoor use. Identity badges on lanyards create a modern feel and canvas belts were manufactured to incorporate Sea Life branding. White Velcro trainers (“sneakers”) round off the “eco surfer” look. The new uniform is due to go into use at 26 European Sea Life outlets and two in the USA. Taylor Made Designs already creates uniforms for many other Merlin-operated attractions, with the American Legoland sites coming on board this year.


Sea Life staff in London 3D AT SEA


A stereoscopic 3D digital cinema is one of the signature features of Allure of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world and the latest vessel to be launched by Royal Caribbean International. Provided by the German company FUNA International, the Amber Theater allows cruise guests can enjoy a full catalogue of Dreamworks movies alongside other 3D titles. Projection is courtesy of Barco and sound by Dolby. Configuring the cinema on a cruise ship had its own special challenges due to the maritime environment, limited space and in-house maintenance facilities. “The result is a 3D movie experience as good as or better than any land- based theatre," believes Christopher Vlassopulos of Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises.


Merlin CEO Nick Varney unveils a wax figure of Bruce Forsyth, one of the exhibits from Madame Tussauds Blackpool, which opens this month. The TV star is host of Strictly Come Dancing, which has used Blackpool Tower Ballroom as a venue. Looking on is Peter Callow, leader of Blackpool Council.


Skigypt


Following the success of Ski Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, developer Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) is to export its indoor snow concept to another hot country. Ski Egypt will form an integral part of MAF’s planned Mall of Egypt in Cairo where, like Ski Dubai at the Mall of


the Emirates (pictured), it is expected to act as a signature attraction to drive footfall and put the mall on the map. The development will also feature the company’s Magic Planet FEC brand.


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In addition to the cinema, FUNA provided technical design, engineering, integration and consulting for entertainment, display and communications in most of the ship's theatres, restaurants, clubs and public spaces. Built at a cost of $1.5 billion (€1bn), Allure of the Seas features 16 decks and capacity for 5,400 guests. Weighing 225,282-tonnes, it is just 5cm longer than sister vessel Oasis of the Seas, for which FUNA provided a similar range of technical services. Three more ships will follow.


"These ships are vast,


floating, state of the art resorts, of the same complexity and scope as a land-based resort complete with hotel, retail and entertainment but totally self-contained," highlights FUNA senior vice-president Doug Ellis.


www.funa.com The 3D theatre by FUNA APRIL 2011


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