THE new Rhyl-based Zip World attraction, the “Skyflyer”, will not launch until next year, the company has confirmed today (August 2).
The airship, to be located along the beachfront, was due to open on August 3, after its launch was put back from July 21 because wind and weather conditions were not ideal to perform its first full inflation.
But Zip World announced on Friday (July 29) that it had to delay its first take-off again after an “engineering and design challenge” was noticed during testing.
The attraction was inflated on July 27, then deflated yesterday after its official launch was postponed.
No date has been pencilled in for its launch yet, but Zip World said it is now due to open in “early 2023”.
A statement from Zip World read: “Following our decision to postpone the launch of our newest attraction, Skyflyer, our team of engineers have pulled together a new timeline to address the challenges identified during our testing process and we will now be looking to launch in early 2023.
“Sadly, we will not be in a position to launch Skyflyer in time for this summer season and will announce a new date once we are satisfied it meets our standards.
“We look forward to welcoming customers next year to enjoy this unique attraction.”
Meanwhile, a Rhyl resident living on East Parade, opposite where the Skyflyer was inflated last week, has complained that it proved an eyesore prior to its deflation.
The resident, who asked not to be named, said they are not against the idea of the Skyflyer, and recognises the economic advantages it will hopefully bring to Rhyl.
But they could not understand the reasoning behind positioning it by East Parade, adjacent to the Pavilion Theatre and the 1891 bar and restaurant.
The resident told the Journal: “I knew it was coming, because I’d followed the planning application, so it didn’t come as a shock, but it doesn’t seem anything like what it was supposed to look like.
“It’s so big, so ugly, and all of the portacabins (next to it) are aesthetically horrendous.
“You live in a sea view house, and to have that smack bang in front of you… on the plans, it looked as if it was going to be more central on that piece of land.
“There are people (in cars) pulling up in front and causing mayhem with traffic; parking is at a premium as it is round here – it’s started already, and it’s not even up and running yet.”
The resident added that the extra addition of “Big Red”, a 270ft zip line, on the site of the Skyflyer, was “adding insult to injury”.
Though the Skyflyer has now been deflated again, the resident fears they and those also living on East Parade will be “back to square one” when it gets up and running next year.
The resident added: “The zip wire that’s gone up as well – the positioning of it is the icing on the cake: right in front of, and level with, your bedroom windows. It’s adding insult to injury; there was no mention of that in the original plans.
“It just seems a smack in the face to anyone who lives on this street. Everyone has the same opinion, not just me.
“Why there? You’d think it was Las Vegas Strip, or Manhattan Real Estate – everybody seems to want to do things on that bit of land.
“I have no objections to the Skyflyer itself, I’m all for progress, it’s where it’s gone (which bothers me).
“When it was inflated the other day, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened the curtains.
“It looked as if it was going to be much further back, towards the seafront, not in front of your house.
“It’s actually being deflated at the moment, but when it goes back up again, we’re back to square one.”
In response, Zip World said that Big Red is to support the Skyflyer’s launch only “on a temporary basis”, and considers the site to have matched the plans submitted to Denbighshire County Council.
A Zip World spokesperson said: “Zip World has worked closely with the Denbighshire County Council Planning team and Denbighshire Leisure and is satisfied that the new site meets all planning requirements and matches the plans submitted.
“Big Red is a mobile zip line and intended to support the launch of Skyflyer on a temporary basis.
“Parking and nearby facilities were factored into this process as well as the overall positive impact the site will have on tourism and job opportunities in the local area.
“We are looking forward to welcoming customers and locals alike when the attraction launches in early 2023.”
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Customers who had made bookings for Skyflyer were due to have been contacted directly by Zip World by August 1 to arrange refunds.
When the Skyflyer launches, visitors will be elevated 400ft in the air and will be able to take in panoramic views of the North Wales coast and beyond.
The attraction will be accessible to all, including wheelchair users, and features other support equipment for those with disabilities.
A document in the Skyflyer's planning application, submitted to Denbighshire County Council, states: "The balloon is anticipated to carry up to 30 passengers and one operator vertically to 120m and descend over a time period of eight minutes.
"It is anticipated it will be operational all year round, from 10am to 8pm in summer, and 10am to 3pm in winter."
Meanwhile, Zip World also launched “Underground Golf” at its site in Llechwedd on Friday (July 29).
The attraction, the world’s first of its kind, takes visitors 500ft below the ground to enjoy its 18-hole course.
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