‘I bought the theme park I loved growing up’
I bought the theme park I loved growing up
For James Mellors, the dream of owning a theme park has become a reality. When Lightwater Valley was put up for sale last year, the Mellors Group director seized the opportunity to acquire it. “My auntie and uncle reside in Dinnington, so this was our go-to spot for family outings,” he recalls. “We’ve returned to the park many times over the years, and it’s especially satisfying now to call it ours and consider what we can achieve with it.”
The Park’s Legacy
Located near Ripon in North Yorkshire, Lightwater Valley opened in 1969 and once housed the longest rollercoaster in the world, the Ultimate, which held the title from 1991 to 2000. The park’s iconic ride was dismantled in 2023, prompting a shift in its target demographic. “The park has undergone significant transformation, and I believe it hasn’t received the necessary investment,” Mellors notes. “The Ultimate and the Rat—Lightwater Valley’s groundbreaking subterranean coaster from 1987—were unique experiences that hadn’t been seen before.”
“The previous owners steered the park toward a younger audience, which is a change I’m not entirely aligned with,” Mellors adds. “It’s important to remember that even families with children under 12 still have parents in their mid-20s to 40s who enjoy the experience just as much.”
Mellors expanded his portfolio by purchasing Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells in 2016, yet Lightwater Valley has always been his main focus. “If you picture it as a miniature Disneyland, that’s our aspiration,” he says with a laugh. “We’re realistic, though—our budget doesn’t match Disney’s, and we lack the cartoon characters that define those massive parks. But we have a wealth of creative ideas to maximize the park’s potential.”
“We needed to introduce a new attraction quickly to mark the start of a fresh chapter,” Mellors explains. “The Spinning Racer, launched this week, symbolizes that new era. However, bringing back a major ride like the Ultimate is more expensive than people realize.”
Challenges Ahead
Mellors highlights the financial hurdles of managing such a large site. “Operating a theme park demands substantial costs—land rent, maintenance, and the energy required to power big rides,” he says. “The entrance fee must cover all hidden expenses, which often go unnoticed.”
Despite rising fuel prices, Mellors remains optimistic about summer attendance. “While transportation costs are a concern, people can’t replicate this experience online,” he argues. “If families want to spend quality time together, theme parks are still the ideal choice.”
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