A new Universal resort near Bedford isdue to open in 2031, creating 28,000 jobs and attracting 8.5 million visitors a year. But more than 40 years ago, a similar vision was announced just outside Corby, Northamptonshire. Called WonderWorld, the ambitious £346m project promised a British answer to Disney – complete with themed villages, hotels, and rides designed by Monty Python's Terry Gilliam. But it never opened. Here's what was planned, and why it was never built... In 1981, planning permission was granted for WonderWorld to be built on a 1,000-acre site at Priors Hall, about two miles (3km) north-east of Corby. The land, part of a disused quarry once linked to the town's former steelworks, was identified as the ideal location due to strong local support. Signs for the theme park feature inNetflix's Toxic Town, and it is mentioned in BBC podcastThe Toxic Waste Scandal. Developers Group Five described the area as the perfect home for the park, citing the "positive attitude displayed by the local and county authorities and the Commission for the New Towns". The attraction was described as the "equivalent of America's Disneyland", and it was supposed to be an answer to unemployment in Corby following the 1980 closure of the steelworks,which led to 10,000 job lossesand left nearly a third of the town out of work. Modelled on Walt Disney World's Epcot, the attraction was to include 13 themed "villages" built around a central bowl, 700m in diameter. Six of these were due to open in the summer of 1992, with a projected four million annual visitors and parking for 7,000 vehicles. Plans included hi-tech rides, educational centres, themed restaurants, a conservation zone and shopping areas. A brochure promised "a unique resort set in beautifully landscaped surroundings", with an "accent very much on participation". In 1985, one of the architects, Derek Walker, said: "The basic ingredients [for WonderWorld] are very simple: entertainment at the very highest level. It's participatory and it's incredibly educational. "[WonderWorld] will offer the best of British design." Botanist David Bellamy was involved in planning a mock safari while astronomer Sir Patrick Moore was to contribute to an observatory. The complex would house a covered 10,000-seat stadium for indoor sports, changing rooms, rugby and football pitches, and all-weather tennis courts. There were also proposals for a family resort with hotels – 2,000 rooms in seven hotels initially, expanding to 6,000 rooms – and an 18-hole golf course with 100 holiday villas. The park's overall goal was to launch a new leisure industry built around "British heritage, folklore, science, and innovation". The developer behind WonderWorld was Group Five, a company that pitched the park as "a family affair" offering a broad mix of attractions to suit all ages and interests. The first phase of construction was estimated to cost £223m, with the full development forecast to hit £346m. A 39-month construction timeline was set, aiming for an initial opening in 1985. Despite early enthusiasm, WonderWorld's momentum began to stall. Rising costs, planning delays and difficulty securing long-term funding meant backers pulled out, and so as public investment wavered, the vision began to fade. All that was ever erected at the site was a large WonderWorld sign and a small wooden cabin. The land is now home to more than 1,000 houses at Priors Hall Park, and there are plans to build just more than another 5,000 houses. Follow Northamptonshire news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
The 1980s 'British Disneyland' that never happened
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Unbuilt WonderWorld: A Look at the 1980s British Theme Park That Never Materialized"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In the early 1980s, a groundbreaking project known as WonderWorld was proposed to be developed near Corby, Northamptonshire, with the ambition of creating a British theme park that could rival Disneyland. The project was estimated to cost £346 million and was expected to provide a significant economic boost to the area, particularly in light of the local unemployment crisis following the closure of the steelworks in 1980, which left thousands without jobs. Planning permission was granted in 1981 for the construction of WonderWorld on a 1,000-acre site at Priors Hall, which was chosen due to strong local support and the area's potential for attracting visitors. The developers, Group Five, envisioned a park that would include 13 themed villages, high-tech rides, educational centers, and a variety of recreational facilities, all designed to promote participation and celebrate British culture and heritage. Notable figures such as Monty Python's Terry Gilliam and botanist David Bellamy were involved in the planning, adding a unique flair to the project that was compared to Walt Disney World’s Epcot.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding WonderWorld, the project faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Rising costs, planning delays, and difficulties in securing long-term funding caused the momentum to stall, and backers began to withdraw their support. By the mid-1980s, what was once a promising venture had faded significantly, leaving only a large sign and a small wooden cabin at the site. The land where WonderWorld was to be built has since transformed into Priors Hall Park, now home to over 1,000 houses, with plans for an additional 5,000 homes. The story of WonderWorld serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in large-scale development projects and the impact of economic shifts on ambitious visions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the ambitious yet ultimately unrealized project of WonderWorld, a proposed theme park in Northamptonshire, England, intended to rival Disneyland. This retrospective look at the failed venture serves several purposes, including reflecting on the socio-economic context of the early 1980s, as well as drawing parallels with current developments in the theme park industry, such as the upcoming Universal resort.
Historical Context and Economic Impact
The narrative provides a backdrop of the economic struggles faced by Corby following the closure of its steelworks, which resulted in significant job losses. The proposed WonderWorld was positioned as a solution to these problems, promising jobs and economic revitalization to the area. This context not only adds depth to the story but also elicits a sense of nostalgia for a time when large-scale projects were seen as viable solutions to local economic crises. By recounting this history, the article implicitly critiques current and future development plans, suggesting that grand visions can sometimes falter.
Public Sentiment and Community Engagement
The planning phase of WonderWorld included strong local support, which is highlighted in the article. By emphasizing the community's enthusiasm, the piece suggests that public sentiment is crucial in the success of such projects. This historical perspective could be intended to evoke a sense of optimism or skepticism among readers regarding the feasibility of future developments like the Universal resort. It raises questions about whether current projects will genuinely benefit local communities or merely serve corporate interests.
Comparative Analysis with Current Events
The timing of this retrospective coincides with the announcement of a new Universal park, creating a juxtaposition between past failures and present ambitions. Readers may be prompted to reflect on the lessons learned from WonderWorld's demise and consider whether similar mistakes might be repeated. This aspect of the article could be aimed at encouraging a more critical view of contemporary development efforts and their potential impacts.
Potential Manipulative Elements
While the article primarily presents factual historical information, it may also carry an underlying agenda to provoke critical thought about economic development strategies and community involvement. By drawing attention to past failures, it could subtly influence public perception regarding the viability of mega-projects. This could lead to a skepticism about the promises made by developers today.
Trustworthiness and Overall Assessment
The article maintains a factual tone, detailing specific plans and community sentiments regarding WonderWorld. There is no overt manipulation of language, but the framing of the narrative may steer readers toward a particular interpretation of historical events. The reliability of the information seems sound, as it references planning documents and statements from individuals involved in the original project.
Ultimately, the article serves to inform readers while encouraging them to think critically about the implications of large-scale development projects and their historical precedents.