Merlin Entertainment has submitted plans to Kingston Council for a new themed land at Chessington World of Adventures featuring both indoor and outdoor rides, stating it is “very keen for the resort to become a year-round attraction.”

Merlin Entertainments has submitted plans for a new themed land at Chessington World of Adventures, featuring both indoor and outdoor roller coasters, an immersive children’s ride, retail units and restaurants.

Though the theme of the attraction is yet to be revealed, the proposals form part of Merlin’s drive to establish year-round footfall at the theme park, and follow recent applications to build a new water park and expand its accommodation.

“The ‘need’ to continue investing in the right way is critical to the resort’s success, and in doing so will help to ensure it is able to compete with other leisure/visitor attractions in the South East, e.g. Paultons Park in Hampshire and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London,” states the planning documents.

“Merlin is very keen for the resort to become a year-round attraction and the indoor elements proposed in the new themed land would help this transition. This ‘evolution’ will add to the attractiveness of the resort to guests and will help to ‘smooth’ the visitor number profile, potentially reducing the summer peak and spreading this into other months.”

The land will replace the Wild Asia area and adjacent glamping site, and will incorporate the existing Kobra ride under the new theme.

Last year Merlin submitted plans for a new waterpark extension to the Safari Hotel, which is currently being discussed with statutory consultees, the Council and Greater London Authority. 

“The engagement has been generally positive and we continue to work towards achieving planning permission at the earliest opportunity.”