Project Refresh & Renew Construction
Here we go! Chessington World of Adventures has officially broken ground on Project Refresh & Renew, its most ambitious project in decades! Project Refresh & Renew Construction is now underway, and over the coming months and years, we’ll be documenting every single step of its transformation. From demolition to steelwork, from theming to testing, this will be the home of all the latest updates as this monumental land begins to take shape.
Opening in 2027, this is Chessington’s biggest project since the World of Jumanji — and it’s not just big, it’s colossal. At the heart of the development will be a huge indoor roller coaster, packed with immersive theming and powered by modern thrills. Alongside it, guests can expect a brand-new indoor flat ride, designed to offer fun no matter the weather. These are attractions that don’t just entertain — they transport you.
The land itself is full of mystery, but there’s something about its early concept that feels… familiar. Sharp edges. Blocky shapes. Perhaps even a world built one cube at a time? While nothing’s confirmed just yet, clues are beginning to build, and it’s hard not to draw a few connections. If the rumours are true, fans of a certain game might be in for a treat.
More than just rides, Project Refresh & Renew is about reimagining the park experience. New food units will serve up tasty, themed bites. Large retail spaces will immerse guests deeper into the story. And in a bold move, the beloved Kobra ride will relocate within the new land, giving it new energy and a fresh narrative to explore.
This is one of the largest investments Merlin Entertainments has ever made in the UK. And it’s all happening here. The future is being built. Brick by brick. Block by block. Let’s get started.
Project Refresh & Renew Construction
April 2025
6th April 2025
All is quiet in Wild Asia, but the signs of change are now unmistakable. Project Refresh & Renew has officially begun. Subtle groundwork is taking place, signalling the start of something big. Monkey Swinger has been fully disassembled and is now staged neatly on its usual plot. Nearby, the surrounding area is being tidied, with small clearings already made.
Cherry pickers and forklifts sit scattered across the site, hinting at the activity just beginning behind the scenes. While much of the land still remains untouched, the atmosphere is shifting. Crews are clearly preparing for what’s next, laying the foundation — quite literally — for a massive transformation.
Planning permission is due imminently, and once approved, we expect things to move fast. This is just the calm before the storm. Big changes are coming, and we’ll be here every step of the way.
Stay tuned as we continue to document every block, beam and bolt that shapes the future of Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
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18th April 2025
Things are moving fast now that planning permission is officially approved. Work across Wild Asia has stepped up significantly this week. Jungle Bus is being carefully dismantled, with teams preparing it for relocation to the nearby Project Play construction site.
Behind the scenes, the marquee tucked behind Wild Asia’s detailed facades is being stripped out. The change is bold and unmistakable, clearing the way for major transformation. Wild Asia’s peaceful atmosphere is shifting as the project gains serious momentum.
This is the first major sign that big things are truly happening. The groundwork is being laid for a new era at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. With every ride moved and every structure cleared, the vision for Project Refresh & Renew becomes clearer.
The future is being built — and we’ll be here to follow every exciting step.
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26th April 2025
Progress may be slow, but every step forward matters on Project Refresh & Renew. Change is happening — piece by piece. Work has begun on removing the two giant Kobra head structures that once stood proudly at either end of the ride. Crews are carefully dismantling the detailed pieces, preparing the site for bigger changes coming soon.
Meanwhile, Jungle Bus remains disassembled, its parts scattered across the former Wild Asia landscape without much recent movement. From Tiger Rock, a quick glance shows Banyan still standing tall and Tuk-Tuk Turmoil’s building still visible.
Outside of the Kobra work, visible activity is limited, and the pace feels slower than many might expect. However, this quiet phase may be short-lived as demolition on Project Play progresses steadily nearby. Once teams wrap up there, resources and focus could shift dramatically back to Project Refresh & Renew. Behind the scenes, planning and preparation work is likely still moving at full speed.
Major visible changes often come only after months of unseen groundwork and logistical planning. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the site as things continue to build momentum. Bigger shifts are undoubtedly on the horizon, and excitement continues to grow. Stay tuned for more updates very soon.
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Project Refresh & Renew Construction
May 2025
10th May 2025
Progress continues across the site, with big changes now clearly visible throughout the former Wild Asia area. Kobra has been fully dismantled, with the track, supports, and theming all removed from its former home. The once-iconic ride now sits in pieces, ready for installation at its brand-new location in the future.
Monkey Swinger has also moved off-site and is now stored in the car park, awaiting its next unknown adventure. Its departure marks the end of an era, as another Wild Asia staple disappears from the landscape.
Meanwhile, Jungle Bus has been taken away and is likely stored on a nearby service road. It’s expected to return as part of Project Play, continuing its family-friendly legacy in a fresh new home.
Tree clearance has also begun, opening up space and pushing the project into its next exciting phase. Machinery is active and preparations for heavier construction appear to be underway behind the scenes. We’re now watching closely for the arrival of construction walls, which could appear at any moment.
The land is changing fast — and it’s all starting to feel very real. Stay tuned as we bring more updates very soon.
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