Ultimate rollercoaster to be taken down at Lightwater Valley

The Ultimate.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park is taking down The Ultimate rollercoaster as it looks to appeal to younger visitors, it has announced.

The Ultimate has been at the park for 33 years and at the time of its build, it was the longest rollercoaster in the world.

Anne Ackord, chief executive officer of Brighton Pier Group PLC, which owns the park, said: “We are mindful of its nostalgic status and that many of our visitors have fond memories of riding The Ultimate coaster.

“Nevertheless, given both the investment required to bring it up to acceptable standards of safety and the re-imagining of Lightwater Valley as a family-orientated adventure park, we have decided to close The Ultimate permanently and remove it from the park.”

The Ultimate, that was designed as a concept from the park’s original owner, Robert Staveley, held the record for longest rollercoaster for nine years until Japan’s Steel Dragon opened in 2000.

The coaster, that had a running time of seven minutes and an average speed of 11.2mph, was built by British Rail Engineering Limited from a £5.2 million investment.

The closing of this ride, and many other favourites such as Raptor Attack and Whirlwind, comes on the back of the new vision for the park to turn it into an adventure land for under 12’s.

Due to this new vision, the park has been upgraded with a tree top aerial course, soft play, discovery woods and new rollercoasters suited to the younger visitors.

Ann Ackord added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new-look Lightwater Valley as it develops and evolves into the north of England’s number one destination for family adventures”

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