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Park People www.parkworld-online.com ’s man in Blackpool


We have never done a double header opening like this before with the tower and the Dungeons, in fact we’ve never done five attractions in one building before. But it’s not just Merlin’s attractions. I think Blackpool is the only place in the UK outside of London to have so many globally-recognised brands in one area. Most other seaside resorts have only got one or two other brands, this place has got them all. Unlike London, which is so huge, here you can come and walk between all the different attractions.


What do you make of Blackpool’s other improvements and new attractions? There’s still a lot of work going on along the promenade, but the Spanish steps and the comedy carpet outside are going to look fantastic. You know it’s really good that a lot of the other attractions in the town are seeing the potential and making improvements too. The Pleasure Beach, the Sandcastle [waterpark], the zoo, they are all spending money which is great. What we really need to see following this is the accommodation sector


improving its game. Having spoken to a lot of the hoteliers, I think a lot of them are waiting for all the new attractions to open, and then they will spend the cash.


What scope is there for Merlin to expand in Blackpool in the years to come? Certainly Merlin understands the need to keep developing something new. For instance, the Sea Life centre here has 30% repeat visitors, so it’s really important that you are not showing the same old same old, and we will be doing the same at Madame Tussauds, adding new figures to keep people coming back again and again. However, I would never try and second guess anything this company does. I must admit I switch on the computer each morning and I’m never quite sure what the next Merlin announcement is going to be, whether it’s the cluster in Sydney with some new attractions and a tower, or now Japan.


www.theblackpooltower.com


MISSION SPACE the new thrilling ride from KMG


*The world’s largest travelling amusement Ride


*80 Meters (262 ft.)


*Provides passengers with a unique sensation as they soar over the park or carnival.


*Latest lighting technology, featuring over 21,000 RGB LED’s


*Set up without crane *Dynamic Sound System


Merlin’s Blackpool


attractions •Sea Life Blackpool (opened 1990) •Madame Tussauds Blackpool (opened spring 2011, replacing Louis Tussauds)


•Pirate Adventure Mini Golf (taken over spring 2011, within Sea Life building) •Jungle Jim’s (taken over 2010) •Blackpool Tower Circus (taken over 2010) •Blackpool Tower Ballroom (taken over 2010) •Blackpool Tower Eye (opens September 2011) •Blackpool Tower Dungeon (opens


September 2011)


Pictures by: ZZapback, Rob de Voogd, www.zzapback.nl


KMG Europe BV Parallelweg 35-7161 AE Neede Tel: +31-545 294 545 Fax: +31-545 291 306 E-mail: sales@kmg.nl www.kmg.nl JULY 2011 25


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