[ Web Proxy ]
URL:
Viewing: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/gallery/abandoned-iconic-themepark-closed-2020-37235757 [Back]  [Original]
Abandoned iconic themepark closed in 2020 set to reopen as possible launch date revealed - Daily Star
dailystarLoad mobile navigation
premium-subscribe-dailystar.svg [premium-subscribe-dailystar.svg]
premium-dailystar.svg [premium-dailystar.svg]
  1. dailystar frontpage
  2. News
  3. World News
  4. Urban Explorers

Abandoned iconic themepark closed in 2020 set to reopen as possible launch date revealed

EXCLUSIVE After nearly two years of speculation about the state of the much-loved but closed Spanish theme park Tivoli World, the Daily Star visited it to see the decay inside for itself

  • Bookmark
    • When the site closed in 2021, the exterior was pristine, but just two years later the story was very different [When the site closed in 2021, the exterior was pristine, but just two years later the story was very different]
    When the site closed in 2021, the exterior was pristine, but just two years later the story was very different

    For nearly 50 years, sun-hungry Brits flocked to Benalmadena in the Costa Del Sol with the hopes of spending some time at the historic Tivoli World theme park. But the site was closed in 2020, becoming one of the most high-profile casualties of the economy-destroying pandemic. It briefly reopened for two months, but closed again in 2022 when its owners went bankrupt.

    A battle over the site's future ended up in court, after it emerged that a bizarre legal loophole meant the staff were unable to seek employment without being paid by their current job.

    This sparked daily protests by the staff, and reports that they were keeping the site in pristine condition in anticipation of it reopening once more. And it now seems as though it could re-open in 2028 after the owners submitted comprehensive technical documentation to the local Urban Transformation Action team.

    According to a filing at the Benalmadena City Hall, the revival could get the final go-ahead soon, with work on remodelling the entire site set to take place shortly after.

    Mayor Juan Antonio Lara said: "The path to reopening Tivoli is progressing steadily and surely, meeting all the deadlines established in the agreement signed between the Benalmdena City Council and the park's owners. We began a lengthy bureaucratic process several months ago, which is advancing as planned and without wasting any time.

    "We want to fulfill our commitment to the residents of Benalmdena and the Tivoli employees, which is none other than to achieve the park's reopening as soon as possible. One of the first steps we took upon arriving in the municipal government was to take charge of a crucial issue for Benalmdena that had been at a standstill for far too long, with the path of dialogue completely broken.

    "We resumed that dialogue and have worked hard to reach an agreement with the owners, from which a very beneficial project for our city will undoubtedly emerge. We will not only recover a symbol of Benalmdena and the entire Costa del Sol, but we will also boost the tourist appeal of our municipality and generate numerous jobs.

    The Daily Star actually took a trip to the site in 2023 and thanks to the Teleferico Benalmadena Cablecar which travels directly over the theme park it seemed as though the place was actually in a bit of a mess.

    The iconic front entrance of the park was already being reclaimed by nature, as masses of ivy could be seen growing over the sides, while the interior has clearly been abandoned by the much-talked-about staff. The rides had seemingly been left to the elements, with parts of the go-kart ride seen falling down.

    A giant boat, which used to be surrounded by a very deep water-filled pool, was now rotting away after the water was removed. Banners and signs in the park could be seen falling apart, while the exteriors of the once-loved buildings at the site appeared to be falling into serious states of disrepair.

    The popular Twister ride hadbeen stripped of everything that made it a ride, while the roller-coaster was just a shell of its former self.

    Sadly, the roof of the carousel, which was once a highlight for young visitors, had completely collapsed, while the London-eye style ride was covered in so much bird faeces that it would need an army to clean it up.

    The site was given a Grade II listing by the local council in 2023 . . . but it could re-open in 2028.

    For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

    1. The iconic sign

      []

      For nearly 50 years, sun-hungry Brits flocked to Benalmadena in the Costa Del Sol with the hopes of spending some time at the historic Tivoli World theme park. But the site was closed in 2020, becoming one of the most high-profile casualties of the economy-destroying pandemic. It briefly reopened for two months, but closed again last year when its owners went bankrupt.

      1 of 10
    2. []

      A battle over the site's future ended up in court, after it emerged that a bizarre legal loophole meant the staff were unable to seek employment without being paid by their current job.

      2 of 10
    3. []

      This sparked daily protests by the staff, and reports that they were keeping the site in pristine condition in anticipation of it reopening once more. And it now seems as though it could re-open in 2028 after the owners submitted comprehensive technical documentation to the local Urban Transformation Action team.

      3 of 10
    4. []

      According to a filing at the Benalmadena City Hall, the revival could get the final go-ahead soon, with work on remodelling the entire site set to take place shortly after.

      4 of 10
    More On
    Top Stories

    Follow us

    Web Proxy Viewer  |  New URL  |  Original Page