Take a look at Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s new £16.25m rollercoaster

Work is continuing apace on the construction of a new multi-million pound rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Development of ICON is halfway complete, with lengths of grey steel track now rising from the ground for the first time.

More than 100 tonnes of track have been hoisted into position on the £16.25m project, including the crucial ‘Immelmann’ section that will zip thrillseekers along a 27m-high inverted loop.

Another section of the structure now visible is the cofferdam – a steel and reinforced concrete tunnel more than 30 metres long and buried 6m underground. Park bosses said the space will house a number of ‘surprises’ for rider five seconds into the experience, as they are catapulted forward 50mph.

Also taking shape is ICON’s launch station, where riders will embark and disembark following a two-and-a-half-minute journey across 1.14km of track.

According to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the ride will hit the same levels of acceleration as a Formula 1 car.

The theme park’s technical director, Alex Payne, said: “Keeping a build of this scale on track is no easy feat.

“I’m pleased to say we are however, with a number of key milestones completed including the cofferdam installation and station build, making significant progress.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s managing director, Amanda Thompson OBE, commented: “ICON is really making its mark on the park, new developments can be spotted daily as the construction is really starting to pick up pace and coming to life before our eyes.

“The ride is going to be a huge addition for us and we’re delighted it’s on track for a spring 2018 launch.”

According to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, ICON will be the UK’s first ever double launch rollercoaster.

Once complete, the ride will reach heights of 88.5ft and feature drops of up to 82ft.