Largest single investment in ride for almost 40 years
July 8, 2019
Bosses at Clacton Pier have made the single largest investment in a new ride for around 40 years – and there is more in the pipeline.
The White Water Log Flume has been bought and transported from Scotland to Clacton where it is currently being stored.
The plan is to make the changes needed to accommodate the ride over this winter and have it in operation next season.
This is the first log flume of its size on Clacton Pier and is very similar to the one at Thorpe Park made famous by Princess Di and her sons, William and Harry.
It will be the heaviest ride on the structure weighing 160 tons in total and holding 80,000 litres of water.
Director Billy Ball said that having just completed phase two of the Pier’s £4 million development, attention has been turned to the rides.
“We are always looking to up our offer across the board and the log flume is a really exciting addition which will provide thrills for all ages,” he said.
“It is a major boost for those who love our rides and we can promise at least one more significant addition in 2021.
“We cannot rest on our laurels and it is all about our commitment to continually make improvements to attract people to the Pier and give them the environment to make many happy memories.
“This ride is definitely about upping our seasonal offer, whereas the new development is about making us a truly sustainable 52-week a year attraction.”
The log flume has been bought from a park in Scotland owned by other members of the Ball family. It is undergoing a full refurbishment.
There will need to be a reconfiguration of the outside ride decks including the relocation of the Go-Karts as well as work to strengthen the Pier’s structure.
“We cannot wait to get this new attraction in place and although there was once a very small log flume type ride, there has never been anything on this scale,” added Mr Ball.
“Watch out for another ride announcement soon as we have plans for another similarly big investment for 2021.”
Nigel Brown
Nigel joined Clacton Pier as its Communications Manager in February 2018. He had just retired as Tendring District Council's Communications Manager after 12 years. Previously he was Deputy Editor at the Clacton Gazette where he worked for 23 years.
Marco Zonnebeld 3 years ago
Hello,
I am from Holland..no not on sea..but The Netherlands and me and my wife love it here. She loves the sea and beach.
I love the pier and the buzz of the 2p machines.
I tried the wheel..i call it The Clacton Eye.great ride. Fantastic views.
One thing i miss..is a thing we have in Nederland is..bungee jumping of the pier!
We have it at the pier of Scheveningen its a unique item.
Maybe its sn option to add this to the pier?
Greetins M.Zonnebeld
Heather Brooks 4 years ago
Are you getting rid of any rides to make way for this? Also I have seen images of a high chair swing type ride? Is this a correct image of things to come or will this be another year?
Anita Morgan 5 years ago
Regarding fishing both my husband and I have yearly passes which cost us £85 each,but feel little is done on the pier for fishermen,the shelters on the end of the pier have never been repaired,leaving little protection against the harsh winter weather,there are no toilet’s during the winter only at the entrance to the pier so for female fishermen a problem,many people are retired who enjoy fishing,this has become more expensive and now with all the rules about what fish and the size of fish and how many one is allowed to take (if you are lucky to get any) is it worth it.Parking is a problem both summer and even in the winter as 2 hour parking is not enough.Many people are travelling fare distances from London,Suffolk etc to spend a day fishing so let’s make them welcome.While I am happy to see improvements in Clacton and its pier,please cater for all age groups and needs.
Leonard eastwood 5 years ago
Whish sea fishing season tickets were cheaper I think £ 50 is good price for them then hi would buy one.
Caroline Shields 5 years ago
This is great news. We need to bring more people to Clacton and bring Clacton back big time.