Project Play Construction
Project Play Construction has begun!
Exciting times are ahead at Chessington World of Adventures, as work has officially begun following the approval of planning permission. This ambitious new development will see the transformation of a significant area of the park. Bringing fresh experiences for families and young adventurers alike.
As part of the redevelopment, several existing attractions and facilities will be removed to make way for the new additions. Scorpion Express, the Children’s Zoo, and all associated buildings in Mexicana are set to be demolished. Paving the way for a brand-new themed land designed specifically for younger guests.
Project Play will introduce an exciting junior roller coaster, two brand-new junior rides, and one relocated attraction. Thus ensuring plenty of fun for little thrill-seekers. In addition to the new rides, guests can look forward to improved facilities, including brand-new toilets, retail outlets, and a dedicated meet-and-greet location for memorable character encounters.
With Project Play construction now underway, Chessington Buzz will be providing regular updates on this page, keeping you informed on the latest developments, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes progress. Project Play is expected to open in 2026, bringing a fresh wave of adventure to the resort.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project unfolds!
Project Play Construction
February 2025
22nd February 2025
Change is in the air at Chessington World of Adventures, as work is now well underway on Project Play. However, with progress comes the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to an iconic piece of Chessington history.
The removal of Scorpion Express has officially begun. The once-thrilling mine train that has delighted guests for over three decades is now being carefully dismantled. Contractors have started cutting through sections of track, with some pieces already removed from the site. The station and surrounding theming are also being stripped away, erasing the last remnants of this beloved attraction. A crane has been in operation throughout the week, assisting in lifting sections of the ride as the deconstruction continues.
It’s truly the end of an era. Originally opening with the park in 1987 as the Runaway Mine Train, this family coaster provided countless memories before being reimagined as Scorpion Express in 2014. Now, as its rails are cut and its track disappears piece by piece, Chessington bids farewell to one of its longest-standing rides.
While exciting developments for Project Play are ahead, today, we pause to remember a classic. Goodbye, Scorpion Express – you will be missed.
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Project Play Construction
March 2025
1st March 2025
The transformation of Project Play continues at Chessington World of Adventures, with significant progress made over the past week. The removal of Scorpion Express is moving forward at pace, as more sections of track have been cut and taken away. The once-familiar sight of the mine train’s rails weaving through the area is steadily disappearing, marking another step towards the future.
Meanwhile, theming removal has accelerated, with much of the ride’s iconic scenery now gone. Only the back wall and some low-level theming remain, standing as the final echoes of an attraction that entertained generations of guests.
Change is happening quickly, and while it’s sad to see Scorpion Express fade into history, the groundwork is being laid for something brand new. Project Play is taking shape, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
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8th March 2025
The landscape of Project Play is changing rapidly, as work continues at Chessington World of Adventures. This week marks a significant milestone in the transformation, with the track and supports of Scorpion Express now seemingly fully removed. The once-thrilling mine train has vanished from the site, leaving behind only memories of its adventurous past.
Theming removal is ongoing, with more elements being stripped away as the area is prepared for its exciting future. Meanwhile, construction walls have continued to rise, further sealing off the site from view. Notably, the Children’s Zoo area is now completely closed to guests, marking another step in the wider redevelopment.
A crane has once again been spotted on-site, and with the track now gone, attention appears to be shifting towards higher-level deconstruction. It seems likely that the station and surrounding structures will soon be reduced, making way for the next stage of development.
With each passing week, Project Play is becoming more of a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as Chessington’s next big adventure continues to take shape!
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Project Play Construction
April 2025
11th April 2025
Demolition across the Mexicana area has stepped up significantly this week, with major changes continuing to reshape the landscape of Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures. The former Rick O’Sheas shooting gallery and surrounding games buildings have now been completely removed, clearing a large section of the site and dramatically opening up the area.
Elsewhere, demolition work continues at pace. The majority of the old Annual Pass Hub has now been torn down, and work is actively underway to remove the adjacent VIP unit. These removals are further transforming the space and paving the way for what’s to come.
Walking through the area, the views feel almost unrecognisable, and there’s a definite sense of nostalgia as familiar sights disappear. It’s hard not to feel a little sadness as this long-standing corner of the park is dismantled. However, progress often requires letting go of the old—and these dated attractions are making way for something new, exciting, and full of potential.
As Project Play moves forward, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all developments. Stay tuned as the next chapter of Chessington’s story continues to unfold.
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18th April 2025
Demolition efforts for Project Play continue to push forward at Chessington World of Adventures, with more familiar landmarks now reduced to rubble. Both the VIP unit and the former Annual Pass Hub buildings have now been completely removed, with teams on-site now focusing on clearing the debris and tidying up the area as preparations continue for the next phase of construction.
Elsewhere, attention has turned to the former restaurant building, where windows have begun to be removed as part of a more strategic and careful dismantling process. Progress here is slower, possibly due to the building’s age and construction, but it’s another clear sign of movement behind the scenes.
One part of the old Mexicana area that still remains is the backdrop from Scorpion Express. While much around it has been cleared, this structure is set to be rethemed and incorporated into the new land, offering a small link to the past amidst the sweeping changes.
It’s undeniably exciting to see things moving along, but there’s still a bittersweet feeling as this once richly themed area disappears piece by piece. The future looks bright—but we’ll miss the old charm as we look ahead to what’s next.
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26th April 2025
Progress continues at an impressive pace on Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures, with demolition and site preparation efforts ramping up across the area. The former Mexican Cantina building is being carefully stripped out, with crews methodically dismantling it piece by piece. Nearby, the former Children’s Zoo animal houses have also started coming down, with roofs now fully removed as demolition pushes ahead.
Elsewhere, a major focus remains on clearing waste from the site. Teams are working hard to tidy up the area and prepare the ground for the exciting construction work that lies ahead. Over at the old Scorpion Express site, the concrete base of the coaster has been largely removed, with the former ride tunnel still visible but looking very close to being fully demolished.
Once the final remnants of the old attractions are cleared, the site will be ready for a brand-new chapter. Soon, work will begin on laying the foundations for the rides, buildings, and all the incredible new experiences that will bring Project Play to life.
The future is looking bright—and there’s plenty more exciting progress to come. Stay tuned for the next update!
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Project Play Construction
May 2025
8th May 2025
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Project Play Construction
June 2025
8th June 2025
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