Adventure Island new ride delivered and being constructed

Fans of Adventure Island have been waiting eagerly for the thrilling new attraction to rise in Southend after it was teased by bosses last year.

Last month Marc Miller, managing director of the Stockvale Group, which owns Adventure Island, joined the firm’s head of engineering in Italy to test out the new attraction.

It’s here - the ride arrives (Image: Adventure Island)

Yesterday it finally arrived on the seafront.

The new ride, which at 38m is even taller than the City Wheel attraction (36m), is named “Vertigo” and will see 16 customers slowly rise to the top before they are sent plummeting back down.

An opening date is yet to be revealed but will soon as bosses aim to have it open and fully operational before the summer.

Exciting - the installation process gets underway (Image: Adventure Island)

Conservative councillor Tony Cox, leader of Southend Council, said: “It is good to see.

“I think the more businesses invest, it makes for a better offering on the seafront and with the right conditions we should be able to entice people to the seafront too.

“It is absolutely another reason for people to come down and visit, especially ride enthusiasts. People often travel far and wide for new rides.

“So, it is really exciting news.”

New - Vertigo (Image: Adventure Island)

The fearsome drop tower will see theme-park goers strapped in as the ride slowly rises before it plummets back to ground at speed.

The ride will also offer unrivalled views of Southend and out to the Thames Estuary.

A crane rolled into the seafront theme park as four lorry loads carrying all the parts for the new 38-metre drop tower ride arrived yesterday morning.

On Facebook, a spokesman for Adventure Island wrote: “Vertigo has touched down on the island.

“We are not sure you’re ready for this one. More updates coming soon.”