The 1980s ‘British Disneyland’ near Corby that never happened

A new universal complex near Bedford will open in 2031, creating 28,000 jobs and attracts 8.5 million visitors a year.

But more than 40 years ago, a vision similar to the outskirts of Corby, Northhamptoneshire was announced.

Called Wonderworld, the ambitious project of £ 346 million promised a British response to Disney, completed with peoples, hotels and thematic walks designed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python. But it never opened.

This is what was planned and why it was never built …

In 1981, the planning permit was granted for Wonderworld to be built at a 1,000 -acres site in Priors Hall, about two miles (3 km) northeast or Corby.

The land, part of a quarry in disuse once linked to the old steel of the city, identified as the ideal place due to strong local support.

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The group of developers five described the area as the perfect home for the park, citing the “positive attitude shown by local authorities and the commission for new cities.”

The attraction was described as the “equivalent of America of Disneyland”, and it was supposed to be an response to employment in Corby after the closing of 1980 of the Steelworks, which led to 10000 job losses and was left without work without work.

Walt Disney World Epcot modeling, the attraction was to include 13 “themes” built around a central bowl of 700 m in diameter.

Six of thesis would open in the summer of 1992, with four million projected annual visitors and parking for 7,000 vehicles.

The plans included high -tech trips, educational centers, thematic restaurants, a conservation zone and commercial areas.

A brochure promised “a unique complex located in a beautifully landscaping”, with a “high accent on particle.”

In 1985, one of the architects, Derek Walker, said: “The basic ingredients [for WonderWorld] They are very simple: entertainment at the highest level. It is participatory and is incredible.

“[WonderWorld] He will sacrifice the best of British design. “

Botanist David Bellamy participated in the planning of a Safari drill, while astronomer Sirrick Moore contributed to an observatory.

The complex would house a 10,000 seats for interior sports, costumes, rugby fields and football, and tennis courts for all climate.

There were also proposals for a family resort with hotels of 2,000 rooms in seven initial hotels, expanding to 6,000 rooms and an 18 holes golf course with 100 holiday villages.

The general objective of the park was to launch a new construction of the leisure industry around “British heritage, folklore, science and innovation.”

The developer behind Wonderworld was the Five Group, a company that launched the park as a “family issue” that offers a wide combination of attractions to adapt to all ages and interests.

It was estimated that the first construction phase cost £ 223 million, with the full development forecast will reach £ 346 million.

A 39 -month construction timeline was established, with the objective of an initial opening in 1985.

Despite the early enthusiasm, Wonderworld’s impulse began to stop.

The increase in costs, delays planning and the difficulty in ensuring long -term funds meant sponsors that retired, and so that public investment weakened, the vision began to fade.

Everything that erected on the site was a great Wonderworld sign and a small wooden cabin.

The Earth now houses more than 1,000 houses in Priors Hall Park, and there are plans to build more than another 5,000 houses.