An architectural firm has been involved in proposing a business case for a permanent Thorpe Park Hotel

Recently, it was found that a company, Bear Architects, had a page on their website stating they were involved in a process related to a hotel at Thorpe Park. This has caused much excitement amongst Thorpe Park fans. However, it is unlikely to be something that happens in the near future.

Bear Architects have been involved in creating design proposals for the new, 100 room, “permanent” hotel. This is helping the park put together a business case internally for the creation of this. This is a common move within large companies: a business case will help smaller parts of the company (in this case, Thorpe Park themselves) explain the need for something to the larger part of the company (the Merlin board of directors), and then get the money for it.

When the webpage was first found on 06/11/24, it said that the hotel design was to continue in 2023, with construction to start in late 2024. However, by 07/11/24, it had been edited to say the proposal was “well received” by Thorpe Park, but is currently on hold, whilst the park decide where to fit it in with their strategy.

The permanent Thorpe Park Hotel has a long and varied history. Plans for a hotel were first drawn up almost 20 years ago, but eventually stalled. With these planned stalled, but a want to have on-site accommodation still there, the park introduced their temporary hotel in 2013, which is now known as the Shark Cabins. In 2015, the park applied for permission for a permanent hotel, and this was granted, but has – of course – not been acted upon.

The Shark Cabins, built within shipping containers, had temporary planning permission until Februrary 2024. The park applied for this temporary permission to be waived, which it successfully was, meaning the cabins are effectively permanent. At the same time, it was confirmed that the planning permission for the main hotel was “extant” – meaning it is still valid, has not expired and can be acted upon. This means that the park have permission to build a hotel, as long as it meets the same size, space and location conditions.

That’s a lot to take in, so here’s the bottom lines:

Are Thorpe Park building a hotel now?

No, not yet. But they are looking into it.

Where would the hotel be based?

It is to be behind the staff car park, which itself is behind the coach car park. As you leave the park across the main bridge, if you look to your left, you’d see the location. The hotel would be next to the lakeside.

Will the Shark Cabins go if the park build a proper hotel?

This is not clear at the moment, but it is quite possible they will stay and act as a cheaper option to stay at the park.

The designs look ugly, why?

The designs we see are early stage visuals. They may not be final design, colour, etc. They were more designed for internal use.

Why have the architect company shared all this?

It is common for these companies to share an online portfolio, so they can show their work to potential new clients. It’s not really for fans / “the public”.