Thrill seekers from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have a new high-octane option with an enormous water slide - dubbed the UK's fastest - less than an hour's car journey away.
Thunderbolt will reach speeds of up to 24mph (39kph) when it opens at Waterworld, in Stoke-on-Trent, next week.
And World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall will be one of the first people to test out the slides at the official opening of the ‘Tornado Alley’ zone, writes BirminghamLive .
The 2017 champion - the only man in history to lift half a tonne - will officially declare the complex open at 4pm on Wednesday August 28.
That means the slides - towering nearly 55ft above the ground - will open just over an hour from Nottingham.
They are:
- Thunderbolt : The fastest and steepest, reaching speeds of up to 39kph. A heart-pounding plummet for adrenaline junkies!
- Cyclone : This one is classified as ‘medium to severe’, and can be ridden on either a one or two-person raft.
- Stormchaser : The longest of the four new rides, also classified as medium to severe, designed for single or two-person rings.
- Hurricane : To be ridden feet first, lying on your back – if you’re brave enough! This one is classified as ‘severe’.
Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry said: “We believe the rides on our top platform are the highest in the UK – and Thunderbolt is also the fastest.
“The opening of these rides marks the end of a mammoth construction project, and the first stage of a huge new era for Waterworld which cements our position as the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park.
“In addition to the new rides, we are expanding our outdoor pool area, and have already completed a major upgrade of lockers and changing facilities.
“We also intend to refurbish, theme and expand the existing upper decks and use some of the new build space to provide food and beverage areas with seating and lounging – so that up to 1,500 people can enjoy seeing the action in the water park in a relaxed environment.”
Around 300 tonnes of steelwork have been used to create the new £12 million-plus extension – including more than 21 tonnes to build the giant stair tower to the new slides.
The project has provided work for around 30 different trades, as well as creating new jobs at Waterworld.
Andrew Broad, of Staffordshire-based Broadstaff Construction, said: “The scheme has provided us with an amazing opportunity to perform a key role in the development and delivery of what is a landmark building and facility within the local area.
Waterworld already attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year, but the expansion is expected to lift that figure above the 500,000 mark, as well as creating new jobs.
Mo said: “You always have to be thinking of the next big innovation.
“In the current climate, people are looking for something extra special, and even more memorable, if they are to part with their hard-earned cash – and that’s what we are committed to offering, a great visitor experience.”
