Theme park reveals plans to build four new rides
Orla Moore/BBCA family theme park has unveiled plans to build four new rides as part of a "much-needed" investment.
Pleasurewood Hills has asked East Suffolk Council for permission to put in four new attractions, including a 30m "thrill ride" and a big wheel, at its site in Leisure Way, Lowestoft.
The proposals, submitted by manager Ricky Lark, came after Premier Attraction Ltd purchased the park from the Looping Group last October.
Park bosses hope the new rides will not only increase visitor numbers but also ensure it remains competitive within the regional tourism and leisure market.
In a planning statement, the new owners said they were committed to securing the theme park's long-term future, with the plans part of a wider strategy.
If given the green light, the site would become home to the Star Flyer, Spinning Coaster, Apple Coaster, and the Big Wheel, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The Star Flyer is a "high-profile thrill ride" which is about 30m tall, while the Spinning Coaster is described as being family-friendly and about 12m tall.
Apple Coaster is on the smaller side and is designed for children, and the 36m tall Big Wheel will offer guests a "gentler experience".
But not everyone is keen, and one Lowestoft resident said she was "unhappy" about the wheel's proposed location.
"I am concerned the wheel would provide a visual means of looking over my property, and others, whilst in use," she said in an objection statement.
"I do not agree with their planning statement that visuals would be offset with the treeline.
"I have no objection to the other three rides being introduced in the proposed areas."
'Should be approved'
Another resident, however, from Great Yarmouth, welcomed the plans.
"The new owners appear to be pumping much-needed money into the park in their very first season, and this needs to be commended," he wrote.
"Tourism is suffering with the after-effects of covid, and the less-than-ideal economic climate.
"So, in my opinion, any reasonable investment in the leisure industry should be approved."
The plans are with the council, with a decision expected by April 9.
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