In July 2008, a devastating fire engulfed the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare, completely destroying the seaside town's premier tourist attraction.

Since then, brother and sister entrepreneurs, Michelle and Kerry Michael have been meeting on a regular basis with senior members of a planning team to decide what would be the best and most attractive reconstruction plan.

After visiting many of the top theme parks in the country, the team have decided that the Grand Pier would be an excellent home for some brand new rides.

Mr Michael stated "We have all gone to other theme parks, including Alton Towers, and looked at considerations including the size of rides, the cost and even the weight."

The major enhancements from designs at concept stage include an 85 meter tower at the sea end of the pier that will enable visitors to get a panoramic view of the resort; a 250-seater conference and banqueting facility and a traditional Edwardian tea room at the end of the pier which will double as a wedding venue.

The tower, similar to the ride at Sea World, Florida and other major theme parks, will enable 25 people at a time to have a panoramic rotating view of the town and the sea, while four smaller towers in the corners of the main pavilion will feature the very latest technology using LED low voltage lighting to provide a thrilling lighting scheme.

The central canopy will include a “surf board” ride that will hold up to 20 people at a time and take them on a fun and enjoyable journey along the roof of the canopy. At the pavilion end of the pier it will feature a dragster ride that will use movement and simulators to give the more adventurous a ride travelling at 300 mph.

Kerry Michael said: “We have a unique opportunity to create something special to be enjoyed by both our visitors and locals alike.

“We have travelled extensively looking at options and we believe these rides and attractions will bring something new to Weston while retaining the atmosphere of a lively traditional pier that people want to promenade along and enjoy."

"We still have a very long way to go but we are determined to achieve our goals and provide the town with a world class facility in time for the summer season 2010."

As avid theme park goers, we at Play and Stay® are eagerly awaiting news on future developments. Watch this space for more news.