Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool has announced that Ice Blast is to be rebranded for 2025 as Launch Pad, with the 210 ft drop tower currently being fitted with a new pressure cylinder to give riders “epic moments of weightlessness.”

The ride was closed for the 2024 season, generating much speculation over its future, however CEO Amanda Thompson has confirmed it will reopen next March and is “only the first” of several new developments.

“Earlier this year we announced that we are focusing on constantly evolving and renewing our ride offering, and confirmed our intention to make some exciting announcements in the future,” said Thompson. “The new era of Launch Pad is only the first, and we’re looking forward to everything the future holds at Pleasure Beach Resort.”

Launch Pad originally opened in 1997 under the name PlayStation: The Ride, but became Ice Blast in 2000 through a sponsorship deal with Tango.

Speaking on the new enhancements, director of engineering Karl Murphy said: “A new cylinder might not sound much on paper, but it will make a huge difference in terms of the ride experience.”

“Riders can expect to feel their stomachs drop to the floor with the increased force, and experience epic moments of weightlessness. That, coupled with Launch Pad’s re-theming, makes for a very thrilling new era indeed.”