‘Chariots of the Gods’ ditched at Blackpool Central
The developers behind the £300m visitor attraction have decided not to name its showcase indoor theme park after the 1968 pseudoscience book.
Nikal and Media Invest Entertainment had planned to use the title of Erich von Daniken’s book as the brand name for a 126,000 sq ft entertainment venue.
However, the Blackpool Central joint venture has opted against it after market research found the brand did not chime with a younger audience. The attraction will now be known as Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park, according to Nikal director Richard Fee.
Media Invest owns the rights to Chariots of the Gods, a book that attempts to link possible alien encounters with unsolved mysteries about ancient civilisations.
Despite the name being dropped, it is understood that the content of the venue and its attractions, which include a flying theatre, will still be based on von Daniken’s book.
The decision not to run with the Chariot of the Gods brand does not impact Media Invest’s involvement in the project, Fee added.
Media Invest and Nikal’s partnership came about because the two firms have shareholders in common.
Earlier this week, the joint venture lodged a hybrid application for the Blackpool Central project.
The first element to be delivered will be a 1,300-space multistorey car park, followed by a heritage quarter. The heritage quarter will see several listed buildings transformed and refurbished to include a food hall, hotel and pub.
Later stages feature three indoor entertainment venues, including Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park, as well as a 200-bedroom hotel, and a 70,000 sq ft public square.
Subject to planning approval, the 17-acre project is scheduled to complete in the second quarter of 2029.
Shame. Chariots of the Gods is a good name.
By Brian
Great!!!! Lets build some more hotels to squash even further the private accommodation providers of this Town, what ever happened to the plan of for every new bed provided we will take away an old one, never happened never will, absolutely disgusted with the council.
By David Webb
Good move. Chariot of the Gods is very 1970s. I seem to remember a similarly themed attraction on the Golden Mile a few years back. Looking forward to Media Invest’s Plan B as their support of Blackpool is much appreciated.
By Mark O
So ditch a name, fine. But replace it with something that at least rolls off the tongue.
By Phil
Let’s get this done it will attract a lot more tourists can’t wait for it.
By Karen
Please, someone come up with any good names for the venue. Anything would be better than the latter one.
By Elliott
Chariots of the Gods sounds exciting and somewhere you’d look forward to visiting….kids would love visiting that……BCIEP sounds like a business park…… another poor decision for Blackpool..!!
By Si
So basically it’s going to be a multi storey car park! 10 years to develop it! Yes, pull the other one most people know this will never be developed.The developer with sell the car in 5 years to NCP and make a tidy profit. Wake up Blackpool clownsil.. flying theatre..it’s out-dated technology now, other resorts around the world are getting rid.. Blackpool are bringing it back in 10 years! Look elsewhere for development… Or you’ll be looking at a building site for the next serial decades..
By Paul.swan
Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park! Really rolls off the tongue
By Steve
Total lack of creativity. Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park? Is that really the best name you can do with £300M?
How about a competition to decide on a more inspiring name?
By Mike
Agree Chariot of the God’s not quite right but there must be a better name than the long winded and not inspired Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park
By MnJ
Build a massive dome over the top of town and create a tropical climate that will bring people here… Think outside the box the whole chariots of the gods is old chat now and full of contradictions u need something outhere before easy jet and cheap airlines finish our town for good.
By Mick
I don’t think this town needs anymore hotels and eating areas as there are plenty of both mentioned places in this comment, however hopefully the new adventure park will be cheaper entrance fee than the pleasure beach is,then it may be good for Blackpool.
By Mike Smith
Should have rolled with the first name what dull people
By Kevin Morgan
Is this a joke? In what dimension is the generic “Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park” which conjures up all the excitement and mystery of your average office meeting on a Monday morning somehow preferable to “chariot of the gods” even for people who don’t get the context?
By UWOT
Yes, with this pandemic still lingering on, domestic entertainments & attractions are much more needed specially in this splendid Blackpool. Please go ahead, we all behind you!
By Nestor B.B.
It really doesn’t matter what you call it, just do something with that EYESORE!!. PLEASE.
By David Hirst
Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park…catchy.
By Anonymous
Though the article was interesting, the title of it was completely misleading, causing people to think the project had somehow been ditched! Typical media spin… The name of the location has changed as stated in article, nothing more. Quite clearly there must have been some survey carried out to see how many of the younger generation actually have heard of ‘Chariots of the Gods’. The results were obviously low and not surprised considering the title is based on a best selling book from over 50 years ago. I think its a good call. Though this amazing project is geared for all the family, they have certainly kept their eye on the importance of educational entertainment for our young ones. Well Done Blackpool…. Poor Title North West Place.
By Steve Mera
What about Blackpool Council’s ‘WORLD OF MYSTERIES’… sounds much better! All kids would know what that means ..
By John
Blackpool, is synonymous with music, arts, and culture, what we need in the centre,
is a permanent concert venue, for world famous artists, to perform, on their tours,
I know, this is the most popular, idea, with local residents, at Revoe-lution youth
group, who asked for musical, and recording opportunities, in Blackpool Central.
By James Walters