Moley

SW8 construction has hit a milestone moment this morning, with the lift hill now topped out at full height! As is tradition from GCI, the flags of all countries involved are now being flown at the pinnacle. Photos taken from TowersStreet on Facebook A look at the high point from the bottom of the site.

With the CBeebies Hotel and Enchanted Village now in the background, the 'Air Car Park' is crying out for redevelopment more than ever.

Despite the weather going from a heatwave to a downpour over the last week or so, construction (particularly on the lift hill) continues apace. Photos courtesy of Theme Park Worldwide on Facebook

Lift hill construction begins. Photos courtesy of Theme Park Worldwide on Facebook 27/06/17 27/06/17 28/06/17

And it grows further still...

Construction continues. Photo from Tatenhill Aviation The main themeing structure and station continue to grow.

Away from the SW8 site, work continues on the latest restoration project, the Grand Conservatories. Designed and built by garden architect Robert Abrahams in 1827, the Grand Conservatories have served many purposes over the years, from tea shops to pottery studios. Their original form was described in the brilliantly and specifically titled 'Tour of Alton Towers including Ashbourne, Historical and Scientific with a description of the splendid gardens and the interior of this regal establishment' by William Adam in 1851. Work has been going on since the turn of the year with Treasure and Son Ltd, who appear to be in charge of the project and were established 80 years before the building they're working on, tweeting out a number of photos of the work they're doing. This restoration of one of the gardens' most iconic structures, follows similar work on the Pagoda Fountain, Prospect Tower and of course The Towers themselves in recent years. Whether they are being restored with an eye for a future use, we'll have to wait and see. Whilst certainly not in their pomp, the Grand Conservatories in more splendid times.

Wood, fittings and a whole lot of everything else has arrived as progress continues on the construction site itself, with a generous helping of concrete. Source: TowersStreet Source: TowersStreet Source: TowersStreet Source: TowersTimes Source: TowersTimes

Alton Towers have submitted the lighting schedule for SW8 to Staffordshire Moorland District Council. These plans reveal further details of SW8's main theming element, with it thought to possibly be a large 'wicker man' structure, in accordance with the trademark filed earlier this year. There also appears to be a potential viewing area in the middle of the coaster's structure. Source of plans: http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=113162 A closer look at the theming element. It looks like this is where the theming element in question will be sitting. Though the gap between it and the building seems a lot smaller than on the plans. Source: Theme Park Worldwide

Overview of the construction site from the Skyride.

Source: TowersTimes on Facebook

This weekend saw Services Day (emergency services, NHS and armed forces) at the park and another twist in the SW8 story. The park map for the event, which has also been updated to include the reopening Hex and Driving School, indicates that the ride will be considered part of Gloomy Wood, which is currently only home to Duel.

Part 2 of the Nemesis monster's refurbishment is complete Source: 'Towers Loving Care' Facebook page.

Source: http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/blog/2016/11/30/additional-sw8-details-confirmed/

Alton Towers have today submitted a new planning application, citing "Demolition of existing structures and installation of a new ride and construction of associated buildings, along with landscaping works." Now comes the waiting game regarding any documentation being uploaded. http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=105655

It completely skipped my mind when making the first post but back in 2011, this sign appeared next to the sales and information booth at Mutiny Bay. Obviously much may have changed between then and now and the Switzerland reference (or indeed the whole thing) may just be a complete tease/enthusiast talking point (it certainly achieved that at the time!) but with this evening's news, it is some fuel to add to the speculation fire.

Well this is certainly something... Oooooo what's going on here then? #SW8TopSecret

Gothic Prospect Tower Planning permission for the restoration and refurbishment of the Gothic Prospect Tower, located at the edge of the Gardens near the Forbidden Valley Skyride Station, was granted last week. The work will see brand new ironwork, restored timber doors and paintwork returned to the red and cream colour scheme used previously. The area around the Tower has some of the best views of the gardens in the park at ground level and an even higher vantage point should provide even greater ones. This graphic shows how the tower used to look (thanks to Alton Towers Memories), it's recent state and the design from the planning application. Source: TowersStreet on Facebook Enchanted Village The short break brochure for 2015 has been released. It contains a map of the accommodation side of the resort (see below) including the Enchanted Village, showing the botanically inspired names of each lodge cluster and individual treehouses, as well as revealing a dedicated shop for the new accommodation nestled amongst the lodges. The Alton Towers Resort Facebook page, today posted this sneak peek trio of images from the construction site. Enchanted Village - Tree Top Quest With planning permission granted a month or so ago, construction of the Resort's new high rope course has begun in earnest, with promotional materials in the themepark over Half Term stating the attraction will open in May. Source: Theme Park Worldwide Source: Theme Park Worldwide

CBeebies Coaster Source: http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/blog/2015/02/07/octonauts-rollercoaster-adventure-confirmed-for-cbeebies-land/ Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure - Concept Art High Ropes Course Given Go Ahead Source (incl. plans): - http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/blog/2015/01/29/high-ropes-course-given-go-ahead/ Enchanted Village Construction The Great British Winter might have been throwing everything it has got at the Enchanted Village construction site at Alton Towers Resort, but that hasn’t stopped steady progress being made on 2015’s new accommodation. 08/02/15 - As construction continues at the top of the site, the landscaping has begun towards the bottom. 10/02/15 - Back on the ground, an example of one of the cluster of lodges. 10/02/15 - Work continues on the tree-houses For more photos - http://www.towerstimes.co.uk/blog/2015/02/10/enchanted-village-construction-update-3/