NatWest and Lombard provided a £6m asset finance package to fund the construction expenses for a new rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has officially opened to the public.
The ICON rollercoaster (pictured above) cost £16.25m.
The ride took 16 months to complete with thousands of tonnes of steel being imported from German manufacturer Mack Rides.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach hopes the arrival of the double-launch rollercoaster will appeal to thrill seekers and result in a boost to visitor numbers.
“The ride’s arrival represents a significant investment for the business, which will not only increase visitor numbers, but cement our position as one of the top leisure destinations in the UK,” said Jonathan Gray, finance director at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
“The funding and support from NatWest and Lombard enabled us to progress a significant part of the build, and ensured we had the means to have the ride finished on time.”
Chris Thomas, relationship manager at NatWest, added: “From working with Jonathan and the Blackpool Pleasure Beach team, I know there was so much work that went on behind the scenes to ensure the ride was completed on time.
“It will be a welcome addition to an already iconic theme park.”
