Economic Benefits
The Economic Footprint
Chessington World of Adventures Resort is one of the largest and most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Delivering substantial economic benefits. The Resort is the largest private-sector employer in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.
In 2016, Merlin Entertainment’s long term plan for the Resort sought to increase the scale of employment and economic benefits. They propose a number of new attractions to be delivered over a series of years. The summary below sets out the 2016 forecasts of potential economic benefits of the existing operations. Combined with the additional benefits that could be delivered by the implementation of the long term plan. These include the currently proposed themed Amazon Land and new roller coaster.
Since this forecast, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the business, with long periods where Chessington was forced to remain closed. At present, the Theme Park can only be operated at a reduced capacity. Plans for other new attractions have also been delayed. The proposed investment for a new themed Amazon Land is critical to the Resort’s recovery and achieving the economic benefits outlined below.