Carpenters build bridge to "Neverland"
16 June, 2013
A team of Camarthenshire carpenters has played a key role in creating the new £4m ‘Neverland’ attraction at Oakwood Theme Park.
Based on J M Barrie’s famous ‘Peter Pan’ book, the new area is home to 10 family-themed rides and attractions and is set to open at Whitsun.
Laugharne-based iBuild Wales, which was set up by Ian James and Meirion Evans in 1990, were responsible for much of the carpentry and joinery on site.
Their role was particularly crucial in devising a ramped walkway through Neverland’s iconic ‘Skull Rock’ log flume ride and they also built Captain Hook’s treasure store, the decking for the ‘Crocodile Coaster’ and parts of the interactive ‘Journey to Neverland’ walkthrough experience.
It’s been challenging to turn around the volume of work in such a short space of time,” said Ian.
“Having said that there was a brilliant team of people involved and all of them worked really hard to get Oakwood open on time,” he added.
Occupying more than three acres, the new area features 10 new rides and attractions.
Visitors can take a whirlwind journey through Edwardian London in a black taxi cab, before visiting Kensington Gardens, home of the Darling family, and the beginning of an extraordinary journey in to Neverland
Among the other new rides are the ‘Lost Boys Adventure’, ‘Neverland Chase’, ‘Tink’s Flying School’, ‘Crocodile Coaster’, ‘Jolly Roger’ mini galleon. ‘Hook’s House of Havoc’ soft play and the ‘Sights of London’ taxi ride featuring Big Ben, the Tower of London and Nelson’s Column.
Oakwood Park Director Dominic Jones said: “I’d like to personally thank Ian, Meirion and their team for all the hard work and enthusiasm they have brought to the project.
“We tasked them with a tough assignment and a very tight deadline but they rose to the occasion and came up with some inspired and innovative solutions to a variety of challenging situations,”
“Their commitment to the project has enabled us to open in time for the Whitsun holidays with an amazing new series of rides and attractions and they have definitely gone the extra mile for us,” he added.
Issued by Oakwood Theme Park. For more information please contact Dominic Jones or Jessica Spooner on 01834 815170.