Blackpool set for £300m ‘alien invasion’ theme park that hopes to open in 2030
An out-of-this-world £300million 'alien invasion' indoor theme park is coming to Blackpool.
Council chiefs plan to use compulsory purchase powers to secure land for the Chariots Of The Gods entertainment complex.
Inspired by Swiss author Erich von Däniken's (corr) books it will explore the theory alien visitations to Earth inspired ancient civilisations.
The adventure park will also feature the UK's first Flying Theatre – a ride which aims to recreate the feeling of `human flight'.
It is estimated the project will create 1,000 new jobs and lure in an extra 600,000 visitors-a-year spending £75million.
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Blackpool council has signed an agreement with developer Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment – which owns the rights to von Däniken's work – to redevelop a 17-acre site in the centre of the resort.
The complex will also include flats, two hotels and a car park.
The council has said it is "working closely" to assist the project which will take nine years to create.
Land and property owners within the boundaries of land earmarked for the site will be forced to sell up so work can start soon.
Phase One will feature an indoor adventure sports centre, the flying theatre, arcades, laser centre, bumper cars, a hotel and an exhibition exploring theories that aliens influenced ancient civilisations.
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It will include an alien-themed diner.
Residential property, food and drinks outlets, another hotel and car parking is expected to follow.
Blackpool Council said of the compulsory purchase plan: "To date it has not been possible to acquire all these interests.
"The council is satisfied that there is a compelling case in the public interest for resorting to powers of compulsory acquisition.
"Otherwise the comprehensive redevelopment will not be able to be completed within a reasonable time frame.''
The local authority is understood to be in negotiations with firms including BT which has an interest in the land.
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Much of it is taken up by a car park but there is also a pub, shops and former cinema within the boundaries.
Blackpool Magistrates Court will move to the site of a former hospital.
The council said the new complex will be based upon unsolved mysteries of the past, such as the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, ancient cave drawings, the monuments of Easter Island and alien visitors'.
A report to the council's executive said: "The ability to develop out the whole site and complete the master plan presented by the developers cannot be understated with its transformational benefits bringing about greater opportunities for visitor attractions, local employment and supply chain spend and general economic growth across the resort.''
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