“We are no longer the local playpark” - that’s the message from bosses behind a multi-million-pound project at Norfolk’s family-run dinosaur attraction.
It comes after ambitious plans to rejuvenate Roarr!, based in Lenwade, were shared exclusively with this paper.
Adam Goymour, park director, said now was the right time to diversify and as part of this process, the park's first-ever mechanical rides will be opening to the public.
Costing half a million pounds, swing-o-saurus and raptor contraptor will be ready to ride later this year, following the launch of a new live stage show and exclusive screenings of television’s Gigantosaurus series.
The £4m Giganotosaurus Land project, based on the TV programme, was originally due to open in 2024 but will now be opening in 2026.
Next year, the park will also be adding a Gigantosaurus-themed track ride to whet visitors’ appetites ahead of the creation of the fully themed land.
Mr Goymour added: “We are constantly reevaluating long-term project plans to ensure we offer our guests the best product possible and continue to develop the business responsibly.
“The decision has therefore been taken to postpone the full creation of Giganotosaurus Land for a short amount of time.
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“This change in our attraction timeline has been taken with our guest experience in mind.
“We need to make sure that any investment is prudent and keeps us on a sound financial footing while avoiding price increases for visitors at a time when many families are facing increased economic pressure.”
The park has invested over half a million pounds in its new attractions and is in addition to the £400,000 that has been spent on rejuvenating the 813m Valley of the Dinosaurs area.
Finally, visitors will now be able to enjoy new burgers with Steampunk-stamped buns, which go on sale during half term, at the park’s Explorers Restaurant.
Roarr! operates on an 85-acre permanent base off the A1067 near the Royal Norwich Golf Club. It is the largest dinosaur-themed adventure park in the UK, attracting an average of 275,000 visitors each year.
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