VTP200′s new design, again?

Pettifer Leisure Limited have created a new web site to show their plans to globally rollout their VTP brand.

Thanks to Andy for finding this link, a nice press release that slipped through unnoticed (PR company for VTP200 are not willing to give any information for this blog, it’s all hush hush).  Oh, and has VTP200 had a small redesign again, dubbed “Cobra”?

Anyway, the free viewing platform will still be Birmingham’s third highest, they really need to make that viewing platform 175m+ high or else Regal and V Tower will take its pride.  Of note, V Tower designs are being altered and may be taller.

VTP: A Revolution in City Centre Leisure Entertainment
4 Jul 2008 – Pettifer Group

Pettifer are leading the way in a global first for city centre leisure entertainment with the next generation of visitor attraction – the VTP.

A VTP (Vertical Theme Park) is a stunning city centre leisure tower combining observation platforms, family and adrenaline rides, extreme activities, and a 21st century entertainment centre.

Pettifer, who own the global rights to the concept from Ride Trade – www.ridetrade.com – the world’s number one ride manufacturer – are currently in the process of implementing an initial rollout of the concept.

Project director Charles Pettifer comments “The VTP is a fantastic concept and the technology is proven and robust. We are working with some of the world’s best designers and consultants including Arup, RTKL, WSP and Faithful & Gould, and our tie up with Ride Trade and leading leisure veteran Richard Pawley (Ex Drayton Manor Theme Park), combined with Pettifer’s development expertise gives us one of the strongest design, delivery and operational teams in the world.”

Associate director Chris Hunt says “The VTP combines some of the most successful aspects of visitor attractions in the world including observation (eg London Eye, Eiffel Tower), family and adrenaline rides (eg Walt Disney, Alton Towers), and extreme activities (eg Macau Tower) – all in a highly accessible city centre leisure tower. The latest research proves that people are gravitating towards city centres for their leisure time, linking trips such as shopping, dining and other leisure activities. The VTP, with a relatively short dwell time of 60-90 minutes fits perfectly with this trend.”

The most progressed VTP is proposed for the Eastside regeneration area of Birmingham. The 200 metre tower, the tallest building outside of London, will offer fantastic views across the city and up to 33 miles across the region. The VTP200, as it is currently known, before a major sponsor deal is announced, includes four world first rides, thrilling extreme activities and a major entertainment centre at the base including a 250 bedroom hotel, 15 restaurants and bars, ticketing, queuing and merchandising areas. The VTP200 is expected to attract in excess of one million visitors a year, and create additional tourism spend within Birmingham of £20 million per annum.

Charles Pettifer continues, “The VTP is a highly profitable concept that in leading international cities will deliver annual returns for investors well in excess of 30% (IRR). We are currently working on the first 2-3 towers. Initial locations include Birmingham, where we have earmarked a superb site and will look to make an application later this autumn, and Saudi Arabia where we are currently in the process of finalising a ‘local partnership’ deal with a prominent and highly influential member of the Royal Family. Further discussions are also taking place in relation to a second flagship tower within the Gulf region.”

Charles continues… “We are working with strong and highly respected institutional and private funding partners, including some extremely high net worth individuals, and are hoping to buck the current market trend by raising in excess of $600 million for the first wave rollout, which we hope to have in place by the end of the year