Ardent Leisure announces date for Skypoint reopening, but holding off on Dreamworld

Ardent Leisure has announced when it will reopen its SkyPoint attraction but is holding off on setting a date for Dreamworld, blaming ongoing uncertainty over the border.

DREAMWORLD operator Ardent Leisure has announced when it will reopen its SkyPoint attraction but is holding off on a date for Dreamworld saying it won’t “rush our reopening”.

The Sydney-based company this morning announced a staged reopening of its parks from July with SkyPoint Observation Deck and Climb the first attraction to relaunch on July 10.

It comes after Village Roadshow announced today it will reopen its popular Sea World park plus Paradise Country on June 26 followed by Australian Outback Spectacular on July 3 with family favourites Movie World and Wet’n’Wild 12 days later on July 15.

However, Ardent won’t be following suit saying fixed dates for reopening Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are yet to be confirmed as it waits for more “clarity on the opening of the Queensland border, the lifting of other restrictions and the outcome of current discussions in relation to Federal and Queensland State Government funding”.

The Wiggles at Dreamworld Gold Coast. Ardent Leisure has yet to fix its reopening date. Photo: Supplied

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Ardent announced it was shutting its theme parks on March 22 due to the spread of COVID19 cases in Australia.

Theme parks CEO John Osborne said the company’s approved covid-safe plan allows it to open its parks to 50 per cent capacity.

“If the current COVID-19 trends continue, we hope to able to operate at full capacity in time for the busy September holiday season,” he said.

“It will take some time to properly implement various covid-safe measures and to recommission our rides and attractions. We will not compromise the safety and wellbeing of our team members, loyal passholders and guests by rushing our reopening.”

Mr Osborne added he believes there is “increasing demand” from Australians for its theme parks and attractions.

“We intend to progressively start standing up our team members over the coming weeks,

starting with those required to prepare for our parks and attractions reopening.”