Merlin Entertainments – Redevelopment of ‘Angry Birds Land’

Project Overview

Smart CI Group were appointed by Merlin Entertainments to act as Principal Contractor on the redevelopment and change of use of the existing Angry Birds Land attraction. Working from the early design stage through to certification, we provided a full turnkey service – combining creative coordination, technical expertise, and compliance management to deliver a reimagined themed environment.

This high-profile leisure redevelopment required careful management of safety, building regulations, and creative delivery, ensuring the new attraction was both compliant and aligned with Merlin’s brand and guest experience vision.

Scope of Works

Design & Compliance

Collaborated with Merlin creative teams at the concept design stage to ensure technical feasibility while preserving creative intent.
Acted as Principal Contractor, including F10 notification and CDM compliance.
Provided full-time SMSTS qualified site management throughout the project.
Coordinated with Building Control Officers to secure final sign-off and certification.

Turnkey Project Delivery

Site setup & welfare facilities – security, signage, access control, and compliant waste management.
R&D asbestos surveys to ensure safe redevelopment.
Demolition of all internal blockwork and themed installations, returning the site to shell and core.
Construction of new fire routes and stud partitions, ensuring safety and compliance with fire regulations.
Management of incumbent contractors, including electrical and theming specialists.
Installation of HVAC systems to provide reliable and efficient climate control.

Project Delivery

Our team worked closely with Merlin’s creative and project teams while maintaining strict compliance with health & safety and building regulations. By managing all enabling works, construction, and M&E installations, Smart CI Group provided a single point of accountability, streamlining project delivery from start to finish.

Outcome

Smart CI Group successfully delivered:

The redevelopment of Angry Birds Land into a new, multi-use themed environment.
Full compliance with building control, fire safety, and asbestos regulations.
A turnkey principal contracting service, coordinating all aspects of demolition, construction, and M&E works.
On-time completion with full building control certification.

This project highlights our ability to deliver specialist themed attraction redevelopments, combining creative collaboration with technical and regulatory expertise. Our clients benefit from:

Principal Contractor leadership on complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
True turnkey delivery – from demolition and construction to M&E installations.
Experience in working within the leisure and entertainment sector.
A proven track record in redeveloping themed environments safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.