Potential themepark resort for Perth.

[keadz]

Perth in line for $4b resort and theme park TIFFANY FOX, The West Australian April 8, 2011, 2:55 am Perth has been identified as the preferred home for a proposed $4 billion resort and theme park by a European animatronics entertainment company. Encouraged by the State Government's push to boost WA's profile as a world-class holiday destination, Ermes Technologies wants to attract more than two million tourists a year by building one of the biggest family resort and theme park operations on the planet. The proposed development would be similar in style to Walt Disney World and would include two theme parks, up to four hotels, two golf courses and an entertainment precinct featuring restaurants, retail shops, stage shows and discos. Ermes themed entertainment division chief executive Enrico Petrucci said Perth's proximity and direct flights to Asia and its growing popularity as a cruise ship destination made it an ideal resort location. "The resort will be a dreamland," he said. "Totally self-contained to reach, to rest and have fun for two or three days. "Where people can return home with unforgettable memories and the desire to come back again. "Of course, it would be foolish of any business to place all its eggs in one basket and if we find Perth is not interested, the second city we are looking at is Melbourne." Mr Petrucci said the development would be the biggest project yet for the Italian-based company's themed entertainment division, which specialised in custom-built hotels and themed attractions. Ermes is the representative of Sally Corporation, whose attractions include Universal Studios in Los Angeles and Florida and Britain's Alton Towers. Mr Petrucci said a specific location and the size of the park had not been finalised. Ermes planned to secure agreements with Australian architects for the park's design before approaching the State Government with a formal proposal. The company also hoped to work with the WA Academy of Performing Arts to provide hands-on training and work for students. It planned to open hospitality, cooking and bar service schools. Tourism WA chief Stephanie Buckland said the proponents of the potential development had not approached the State. "But from what you describe, it sounds like a bold and exciting development that would be welcome in Western Australia," she said. Tourism Minister Kim Hames said it was an exciting and ambitious proposal and he would be interested to learn more. WAAPA director Julie Warn said any development that ramped up the entertainment and allied industries in WA and increased employment opportunities for students was welcome. http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9157617/perth-in-line-for-4b-resort-and-theme-park/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I guess these types of articles come along fairly often, but nice to a proposal is being put towards the government. Probably will require a substantial amount of investment from the tax payers, similar to the African Safari world proposal. And most probably is just a unrealistic dream, but who knows. Perth is booming at the moment, with the water front and the BHP building currently under construction (I believe it will be the tallest office building in Australa)...anything could happen...right?

Edited April 8, 2011 by keadz

[Gazza]

I'm somewhat confused...I always thought Sally Corp were these guys and American rather than European, Alton was owned by Merlin, and Universal owned by Blackstone.

[keadz]

TBH, just went with what I interpreted from the article. I'm guessing it meant to say has attractions within Universal Studios and Alton Towers. If I knew how to use these forums I would edit the title ...

Edited April 8, 2011 by keadz

[joz]

$4B investment and they tell the media before they tell the government? I don't know why, but I'm skeptical

[themeparkgc]

I'm somewhat confused...I always thought Sally Corp were these guys and American rather than European, Alton was owned by Merlin, and Universal owned by Blackstone.

Looking at Ermes Technologies Themed Entertainment page it sort of looks like Ermes might outsource to Sally Corp. Ermes has offices in Italy and the US. Sally has a whole list of countries in their footer including Australia. Has Sally worked on any Australian attractions before?

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

The one thing that gets me is they're suggesting an annual attendance of two million people, and in the same breath talking about both parks, golf courses etc... So are they expecting two million people through the theme park gates, or through the entire complex? Either way thats an average of less than 5500 people per day... And they're comparing the project to Walt Disney World? And wait a minute - let me get this straight - in their "downtown" precinct, they're going to have a 'disco'??? Next they'll announce they're calling it "1980's Land". I'm all for new park development anywhere on this continent, be they big or small. As stated previously, we do see these fairly often. As for telling the media before the government, its a good move - it gets public opinion on their side before they have to wade through the application process. If it immediately got shouted down - such as happened with the werribee zoo, then they'd know not to waste their money.

[GoGoBoy]

Won't happen

[keadz]

http://video.perthnow.com.au/2041142044/Nine-News---Theme-parks http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/9782223/hunt-on-for-4b-resort-and-theme-park-site/ The preferred location for a proposed $4 billion resort and theme park could be decided as early as September, with the first stage slated to open in 2015, according to the company behind the project. The West Australian revealed in April that Italian-based Ermes Technologies had identified Perth as the preferred home for a new world-class theme park. Similar in style to Walt Disney World, it would include two theme parks, up to four hotels, two golf courses and an entertainment precinct featuring restaurants, shops, stage shows and discos. After ruling out Victoria and Bali, the company has now registered Ermes Technologies WA with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and set up a Perth project team including local engineering company Veritas and accounting firm MSquared. Andi Matthies, executive vice-president marketing, said yesterday that investigations had identified three potential sites between Alkimos and Mandurah. While declining to give specifics, she said at least 240ha of land was needed for the park, which ideally would be no more than 50 minutes from the city. Ms Matthies said a decision on which site to pursue to a $500,000 feasibility phase, as well as a final investment decision, was expected in September when Italian executives arrive in Perth for a one-week visit. However, Ermes vice-president operations Eric Pearson, an ex-submariner turned defence securities and entertainment projects consultant and the only non-Italian director of Ermes Technologies WA, said the project would be staged and flagged 2015 as the timeframe for opening the first theme park and hotel. Mr Pearson said among issues being considered were the long-term plans for different areas and the potential for a rail spur line to run to the theme park. "We've got to start talking seriously to the Government to see if we can do it," he said. Ermes said in April that Perth's proximity and direct flights to Asia and its growing popularity as a cruise ship destination made it an ideal resort location. The company has received a letter of support from Tourism Minister Kim Hames and has met Tourism WA officials.

[westical]

Still won't happen.

[aussienetman]

Still sounds dodgy to me .... Will believe it when I see it ..

[keadz]

Peel site inspired $4b Park Brad Elborough | October 16, 2011 Three sites have been shortlisted for WA's proposed $4 billion theme park, with experts tipping Rockingham as most likely to get the green light. The company behind the development, Inspire WA, is expected to make an announcement this week of the involvement of a major US partner. But feasibility studies are under way at three potential sites. The Alkimos area, north of Wanneroo, and another location in the Swan Valley, tipped as Whiteman Park are two areas being considered. But the Peel region is the most likely according to tourism experts because of its proximity of public transport and land coasts for the 240ha site. The development is expected to include two theme parks, four hotels, two golf courses, convention space and an entertainment precinct. ==============================================================================================================================

[CruiseSF]

It would be great if this ends up going ahead but I wouldn't think that WA would be the right place for it. I would of thought the east coast would be better. (Both tourism and population). I wonder who the major US partner is.

Edited October 16, 2011 by Cruiseshipfan

[Bmull19]

I hope it does happen so our current parks step it up.

[CruiseSF]

Better hope that US company is one of the main players in the theme park industry (Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Fair) to make a big difference, considering its placement.

[pin142]

Why not one of the lesser known majors like Herschend? They have in their portfolio most of what is talked about in the development and if their stateside parks are anything to go by the Gold Coast parks would have some competition for interstate visitors!

[tolly1804]

It would be interesting if Paramount was involved, looking at their recent activity?

[CruiseSF]

Why not one of the lesser known majors like Herschend? They have in their portfolio most of what is talked about in the development and if their stateside parks are anything to go by the Gold Coast parks would have some competition for interstate visitors!

Because that is not a name brand and will not be bring people from the other side of the country to ride it when we have the gold coast.

[POP]

Who in their right mind would invest 4bn on a theme park in WA of all places. WILL NOT HAPPEN trust me.

[Flea]

I suppose they're trying the Disney method and trying to turn a nothing place into something. Much like how Orlando pre Disney World was basically a ghost town.

[Gazza]

Much like how Orlando pre Disney World was basically a ghost town.

Ever been outside the Disney/Universal/I-Drive precinct...Still is http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Lynx-Customer+Services,+Central+Business+District,+Orlando,+&hl=en&ll=28.546651,-81.39322&spn=0.007464,0.016319&sll=28.519213,-81.385131&sspn=0.014932,0.032637&vpsrc=6&gl=au&hq=Lynx-Customer+Services,&hnear=Central+Business+District,+Orlando,+Orange,+Florida,+United+States&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=28.546568,-81.39322&panoid=rb8nyYL6oJTnxvWVCMvtYg&cbp=12,353.6,,0,-1.8

[POP]

I suppose they're trying the Disney method and trying to turn a nothing place into something. Much like how Orlando pre Disney World was basically a ghost town.

America has the population to sustain these massive theme parks, Australia (especially somewhere as remote as WA) does not.

[Flea]

^ True, but I'd imagine that Asia is going to be a major focus for them considering it's proximity. Flights are stupidly cheap between Perth & Asia, especially when compared to Sydney/Melbourne. I have my doubts but I'd really love to see this go ahead. If it does fail then at least we'd have our own 200+ page Hard Rock/Freestyle Music park thread.

[POP]

Lol that Hard Rock park was such a stupendously bad idea. I knew from the beginning it would be a fail (without sounding cocky). For a theme park to succeed you need to market to kids. Without kids, you don't get the adults in the door. Simple math.

[Gazza]

I reckon the reason it failed is because it had such a paper thin concept behind it...All the rides were just puns on musical phrases. POP, It did have a lot of kids rides to be honest, I think the thing is, the brand itself isn't kid friendly. During construction, all the enthusiasts who were all "Woah a Hard Rock music themed park....AWESOME!" were only saying that to sound cool. It's actually a shit idea overall (Like most 'single concept' parks) A single music themed attraction in a park, like RNRC or HRR is passable however.

Edited October 17, 2011 by Gazza

[POP]

^ Yeah that's what I meant - the brand didn't appeal to kids. I mean you can slap lipstick on a pig but it's still going to be a pig, if you catch my drift. That's why it didn't appeal to kiddies.