The London Resort has unveiled an exclusive glimpse into Base Camp, an entire land dedicated to dinosaurs, adventure and the legacy of unsung heroes of palaeontology, including Mary Anning. The prehistoric nature reserve will feature roaming dinosaurs, two coasters, advanced dark rides, interactive dig sites and a fine dining experience with a difference, it is claimed.
The details were revealed on 20 April by PY Gerbeau, CEO of London Resort Company Holdings. Along with new imagery of Base Camp, Gerbeau also announced his recommendation to take time to review and ensure the Resort’s ‘gold standard’ case for sustainability, given the implications of Natural England’s designation of the site as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
“Working with the Planning Inspectorate, we have requested further time to prepare for the formal enquiry later this summer,” said Gerbeau. “It is absolutely fundamental for us to be leaders in sustainability. We’ve already committed to spending around £150m on remediation, habitat enhancement and providing around 8 miles of footpaths and public rights of way. But since Natural England designated the area a SSSI earlier this year – it is right and proper that we take a short extension to revise our reports and ensure they address the issues raised.”
Set in the north west corner of the Resort, the land’s plans include two rollercoasters, a large multi-media live stage show experience, an advanced simulator attraction, immersive fine dining and an “active dig site” where younger palaeontologists can discover dinosaurs as they climb, dig and tunnel their way across the excavation site.
“Base Camp’s design is based on a philosophy of what an actual, modern day, prehistorical nature reserve might look like,” commented PY Gerbeau, CEO of London Resort Company Holdings. “There will be thrills, spills and high energy rides combined with opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures ever to walk the earth. However, unlike popular films that depict dinosaurs as villains, things don’t always go terribly wrong here. We are building a land of preservation and celebration of dinosaurs.”
An indoor, 1,500 seated arena will be located in the far corner of the preserve. This marquee attraction, framed by a massive biodome, will feature breath-taking shows set within a dense tropical forest.
For an up-close look at Ichthyosaurs, Mosasaurs and other terrifying hunters of the ocean, guests will head over to a motion-based 4D ride. It will dive underwater in search of cold and calculating predators offering guests an unparalleled expedition into the darkness of prehistoric waters. At points along their journey, guests may begin to question if they are observers, or prey.
Alongside the fun and adrenaline, the land is also set to deliver educational opportunities. An enormous play area will be created for young palaeontologists to explore, excavate exciting fossil finds and develop STEM skills. Zip lines, climbing walls and multiple archaeological tunnels will welcome the most enthusiastic of kids while underwater viewing platforms will offer calming moments as families peer into prehistoric lagoons.
An interactive, immersive, dark ride will use sophisticated gaming technology to enlist the help of guests to track and tag a variety of dinosaurs and ancient reptiles in the wild. It will pit humans against beasts in a quest for better understanding and scientific research.