Hyperia Rollercoaster, Thorpe Park

Overview

Project Exodus, recently launched as Hyperia, is a standout attraction at Thorpe Park, Surrey, becoming the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. With an extensive range of existing attractions, the project posed unique challenges due to its proximity to newly permitted residential developments.

Cahill Design Consultants (CDC) were integral to the project’s success, providing innovative and precise acoustic solutions that ensured compliance with strict noise regulations while maintaining the thrill and excitement of the park’s newest ride.

Key Challenges and Acoustic Solutions

1. Comprehensive Noise Modelling of Existing Attractions:

One of the most significant challenges was developing an accurate noise model that included over 30 existing attractions, including several major roller coasters. Given the park’s scale and the new residential developments near its boundary, it was crucial to accurately assess and predict noise emissions from the new roller coaster.

CDC approached this by creating a detailed 3D Digital acoustic model, which required extensive noise data collection. They conducted measurements not only at ground level but also at height, reflecting the various positions of the roller coasters and other attractions. This meticulous data collection was crucial for constructing a reliable model that could be calibrated against real-world conditions. The innovative approach of treating each roller coaster as a line source, combined with detailed 3D CAD data, ensured that the model’s predictions were robust and accurate.

2. Integration of Data from Alternative Sources:

To accurately predict the noise levels of the new roller coaster, CDC recognised the need for precise source data from similar rides. They collaborated with Akustik, a consultant in Turkey, to measure noise from a comparable roller coaster in Europe. The method statement provided to Akustik ensured that the data collected was compatible with CDC’s modelling requirements. This international collaboration was pivotal in acquiring the necessary data, allowing CDC to input accurate noise levels into their model for the new attraction.

3. Addressing Community Concerns:

The project also required CDC to navigate community concerns and regulatory scrutiny. The new residential development meant that noise impacts had to be carefully managed and communicated to local authorities and residents. CDC participated in public consultations, working closely with Thorpe Park, local authorities, and third-party acoustic experts. Their approach was transparent and data-driven, allowing them to convincingly demonstrate that the new roller coaster would not significantly impact the nearby residential areas.

Moreover, CDC’s work resulted in a rare achievement: obtaining planning permission without the need for further commissioning tests, an outcome that underscored the effectiveness and reliability of their acoustic solutions.

4. Innovative Mitigation Strategies:

Understanding the potential impact on new residential areas, proactive mitigation strategies, based around the agent of change, were established to manage future noise concerns. This innovative approach ensured that the park’s operations could continue to expand without compromising the quality of life for nearby residents. In an unusual but highly successful move, the residential developer agreed to integrate the necessary noise mitigation into their project, demonstrating the effectiveness of CDC’s collaborative approach.

Conclusion

Project Exodus (Hyperia) at Thorpe Park demonstrates the complexity and intricacies involved in balancing the excitement of a major new attraction with the need to manage its environmental impact. The project required detailed acoustic modelling, international collaboration, and proactive engagement with the community and regulatory bodies. Through these efforts, the project successfully navigated the challenges presented by the park’s expansion and the nearby residential developments, achieving planning permission with a sound strategy for future noise management. This case study illustrates how thoughtful acoustic design can play a critical role in the successful development of large-scale leisure projects.