Chessington World of Adventures has submitted plans for a huge new water park to help it compete with Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Owners Merlin Entertainments want to significantly expand the existing theme park and zoo in south west London.
They warned that without the “critical” investment at the almost 130-acre site, it may not remain a viable family attraction.
The company wants to extend its existing Safari Hotel and build a new water park that will include wave, spa and infinity pools, water slides, an aqua play area, safari ‘beach’, animal displays, splash pad and adventure river.
Guests will be able to “encounter live creatures” during their visit, it said.
The expansion comes at a time when London and the wider UK tourism industry needs a “strong boost to continue the recovery from Covid-19,” a spokesman for the theme park said in documents submitted to Kingston council.
“Visitors’ demands and expectations of leisure and tourism attractions are constantly evolving and growing.
“These are influenced by experiences abroad where the likes of Disney and Universal Studios are able to accommodate guests on site for extended periods, to enable visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience of the themed areas and attractions on offer... without investment visitor numbers will decline.”
They added: “The vision of the project is to offer a unique and immersive water park experience where guests can encounter live creatures and animals throughout their visit.
“This project aspires to create an unparalleled water park adventure in the UK, while also respectfully and sensitively integrating into the Green Belt environment and the wider context of the resort.
“The goal is to provide an unforgettable and memorable experience.”
Chessington first opened as a zoo in 1930 and now houses more than 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, monkeys and penguins. The theme park has over 40 rides.
Earlier this year it opened the world’s first Jumanji-themed land featuring three rides based on the film franchise.
It said that 85 per cent of local residents support the new waterpark plans.
The proposals are set to be discussed by Kingston council later this year with a view to opening in 2025 if approved.
