Surrey Project Roundtable, Chessington World of Adventures

Project Overview
Glencar is delivering a major new Minecraft-themed development at Chessington World of Adventures Resort on behalf of Merlin Entertainments. Set to open in 2027, the highly bespoke scheme brings one of the world’s most recognisable gaming brands to life, creating a fully immersive, experience-led destination within the resort.

The technically complex development combines specialist structural engineering, themed construction elements and large-scale infrastructure works to support a major new attraction within a live operational park environment.

Following Glencar’s initial appointment to deliver the early phases of the scheme, the company secured the remaining works package for the landmark project, reinforcing client confidence in Glencar’s capability to deliver technically demanding developments within the attractions and leisure sector.

Structural steelwork is now underway on site as the development begins to take shape above ground.

Project Requirements
The client required a highly bespoke development capable of supporting complex ride infrastructure, immersive themed environments and high visitor volumes within an operational leisure resort. The scheme requires specialist foundation solutions, significant structural coordination and carefully sequenced construction activities to support both the building structure and ride elements.

A key requirement is ensuring the development integrates seamlessly within the wider resort environment while delivering an engaging visitor experience aligned with the Minecraft brand vision.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar is delivering the construction works for the development, managing the coordination of specialist structural elements, infrastructure works, programme sequencing and delivery within a live operational attractions environment.

The expanded scope includes structural works, internal fit-out, MEP installations and external works packages.

Scope of Works
Enabling Works & Foundations

Delivery of extensive groundwork operations, including large-scale monolithic raft slabs designed to support both the building structure and specialist ride infrastructure, alongside external foundations for associated ride elements.

Structural Construction

The structural package includes steelwork, upper floors, catwalks, specialist metalwork and balustrading systems designed to support both operational functionality and the immersive visitor environment.

Internal Construction & Fit-Out

Delivery of specialist internal fit-out works, including themed structural framing systems, drylined walls and ceilings, lifts, visitor circulation areas and internal floor and wall finishes.

Building Envelope, MEP & External Works

Construction of the building envelope and curtain walling systems, alongside comprehensive mechanical, electrical and public health installations, landscaping and external works designed to integrate the development within the wider resort environment.

Technical & Delivery Challenges

The project involves the delivery of a highly bespoke themed attraction incorporating complex structural engineering, specialist ride infrastructure and immersive construction elements within a live operational resort environment.

Careful coordination is required to manage interfaces between the building structure, ride systems and themed environments, alongside detailed sequencing of specialist trade packages throughout the programme.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
• Live operational leisure and attractions environment

• Complex structural and ride infrastructure coordination

• Large-scale monolithic raft slab construction

• Specialist themed construction and immersive fit-out works

• Programme-driven phased construction delivery

• Coordination of multiple specialist trade packages

The Outcome
Upon completion in 2027, the scheme will deliver a major new Minecraft-themed attraction at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, creating a highly immersive visitor destination for Merlin Entertainments.

The project further demonstrates Glencar’s expertise in delivering technically demanding, highly coordinated and experience-led developments across the leisure and attractions sectors.