A NEW £1million ride will be unveiled at Adventure Island within weeks after theme park bosses travelled to Italy to test out the new drop tower.

The seafront theme park’s new £1million drop tower ride - which stands at a huge 38-metres tall - has been constructed and kitted out in Adventure Island logos before it is delivered to Southend.

Marc Miller, managing director for the Stockvale Group joined the firm’s head of engineering in Italy this week to test out the ride.

After successful tests, bosses have now confirmed the ride - named Vertigo - will be open after Easter.

The 16-seater ride will be even taller than the City Wheel attraction unveiled in December 2022.

Marc Miller said: “We are very excited to be bringing this major attraction to Southend.

“We are very happy ourselves, with the ride and look forward to delivery, erection and fully tested in the coming weeks.

“If all goes according to plan, we should have it open the week after the Easter bank holiday.

“For further information and updates, please visit Adventure Island social media.”

Once open, the ride will offer unrivalled views of Southend and out to the Thames Estuary.

The fearsome drop tower ride will see theme-park goers strapped in as the ride slowly rises before it plummets back to ground at speed.

Tony Cox, leader of Southend Council, said: “I am delighted businesses are investing.

“But what we need to do as a council is create a climate that businesses want to invest in.

“Tourism is our biggest industry sector, and if businesses are investing that means people will be able to get jobs, even if it is seasonal.

“Even if it is for youngsters, it is seasonal work. For a lot of young people having part-time jobs are few and far between.

“But, businesses like Adventure Island are wanting to invest but the opposition are wanting to put that at risk with the parking charges.”