The Gruffalo

The Merlin Magic Design Studio approached KOMPAN to work with them on concept designs for a new themed attraction to be beneath the Sealife Centre in Blackpool as part of the Merlin Entertainment Groups planned growth in the region. The attraction was to compliment their existing themed offerings in the area, without compromising them. These include Blackpool Tower, Madam Tussauds and Peter Rabbit. The space was an unused area beneath the Sealife Centre, that had previously been a series of shops and arcades. They had selected the stories by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Zog and The Snail on the Whale to theme the attraction on and wanted a bespoke play feature to be the centre piece of the attraction. As the building is beneath the Sealife Centre there are several large structural pillars that we had to develop our layout around. Another consideration was the materials we used ensure we limited any environmental impact within the surrounding area.

Working directly with the project team led by Carl Hackett (Creative Director), Janet Gurr (Hotel and new opening Director) and Steve Hughes (Site & Project Manager) for Merlin Entertainment Ltd, KOMPAN developed the initial concept layout for the area. KOMPAN worked alongside 10 other companies to deliver the project, from lighting specialists to bespoke flooring installers. By working closely with these companies, we were able to create a fantastic land that transports users to a safe imaginative world of discovery. The entire space was remodelled to create an exploration experience, that would captivate and bring visitors back time and time again. There are play features for all ages from sensory baby/toddlers zones in the Snail on the Whale’ through to ‘the Wild Woods’ were visitors get to meet the Gruffalo and his friends!