Park People
parkworld-online.com
improved. The brightest examples of large-scale reconstruction are in Kharkov and Donetsk – the parks there are world-class.
Happylon St Petersburg
attractions that will be in demand among visitors, in spite of all the problems.
Which other CIS (former Soviet) countries would you identify as “hot spots”? First of all, Kazakhstan, where the FEC and waterpark sector is very well developed. Then there is Ukraine where several waterparks have been opened the last few years and the outdoor amusement parks much
Do you envisage any Russian park operators expanding outside the CIS countries in years to come? We need to build a lot more attractions in Russia first! It is such a large country with a large population, and urban residents are in need of amusement parks and entertainment. That’s why for the coming years, I think most operators will concentrate primarily on Russia and the CIS countries. However, I am aware of some operators have opened FECs recently in Poland, and other attractions in Eastern Europe are possible. We also know about a very large-scale project in one of the Middle Eastern countries, but it has to remain a secret just for now.
RAAPA’s 15th anniversary international “Amusement Rides and Entertainment Equipment” Expo takes place from 20 to 22 March at Moscow’s VVTs exhibition centre.
Here are some of the big theme park projects currently being proposed for Moscow and elsewhere in Russia:
Park Russia
This mega project was announced to the industry at IAAPA Attractions Expo last November in Orlando. A site of at least 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) has been earmarked near Domededovo airport, about 30km (18 miles) from central Moscow. Two parks showcasing Russian regions and culture would be created, in addition to a safari park, hotels, restaurants, botanical gardens, a museum complex and exhibition centre. The development time is cited as six years and annual attendance is projected at an optimistic 10 million. Representatives of Park Russia have not been forthcoming with details of the project’s funding, or whether any designers or masterplanners have yet been appointed – perhaps not judging by the somewhat generic images shown in Orlando.
Magic World Russia
If it happens, then this US$3 billion project outside the Russian capital would become of the most expensive theme park developments ever built. Masterplans are currently being prepared by Gary Goddard Entertainment (GGE) in close collaboration with Moschanko Investment Group 2000 (MIG 2000), a partner of the Russian Corporation. Up to three park would be built on a site 50km north of Moscow, including “Park Russia” (not to be confused with the project above), a Hollywood studios-branded movie park and a “park without boundaries” for children with limited abilities. Also proposed are a “St Petersburg Street” retail/dining area, fountain show, 2,500 seat amphitheatre and three themed hotels. Around 80% of attractions will be enclosed and so shielded from harsh weather. Current estimates for completion suggest six years.
Galactica Park/Universal Studios Moscow This proposed 150,000 square metre indoor facility, part of the broader “Galactica Park” project in Moscow, would be the first Universal Studios theme park in Europe and the largest indoor attraction in the world. A market analysis and financial feasibility study has already been completed by Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA), which was retained by Universal Parks & Resorts and the Russian development company ZAO Rusinkom (part of the B&N group of companies). Current plans for the Galactica Park entertainment complex call for an investment of around US$2.8 billion. As well as the
MARCH 2013
RAAPA Expo in Moscow is an important outlet for Russian park developers and suppliers to do business
raapa.ru
Universal Studios park it would also include two large hotels, a convention centre and a 20,000-seat arena, which would be operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). Construction could begin as early as next year, with opening scheduled for 2018/9.
DreamWorks Theme Parks DreamWorks Animation is another big US studio to have made public its plans for the Russian market. The California-based company, which already licences brands including Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda to Universal parks in the USA, Singapore and Japan, as well as Dreamworld in Australia, has entered into a partnership with property developer Regions GC to realise three theme parks in Russia. Madagascar 3 is apparently the country’s fourth highest grossing film of all time. The proposed parks in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg would feature as part of larger mixed-use complexes including cinemas, concert arenas, hotels and retail – one of which would apparently be the largest development of its kind in Europe. Completion is predicted as early as 2015.
Sochi Adventure Park
Construction is now at an advanced stage on this project in the Black Sea city that will host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Set to open later this year, close to the Olympic facilities, the JRA-designed park will feature national folk tales, legends and stories, plus rides and attractions from leading suppliers including Vekoma, Mack and S&S. The main theme park will be complemented by a pedestrian street with shops and restaurants, an artificial lake and fountain/laser show, a 350-room hotel complex and a craft village. By 2020, the complex is expected to expand to 54 hectares, taking in 13 former Olympic facilities.
Anapa Theme Park Billed as the “first theme park from Russia,” using local stories as its inspiration, this 10-hectare project on the Black Sea is about to be masterplanned by the Dutch design form Jora Vision, which will also been contracted to complete the theming. Anapa is already known as a family holiday destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. The new Anapa Theme Park, developed by Entertainment Industry Ltd, will feature rides and attractions for all ages, plus activities that take into account the local climate and make the most of the natural scenery. Opening is scheduled for 2015/16.
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