Clanfield rollercoaster designer explains why she has the best job

As a young girl, Michelle Hicks loved theme parks.
Michelle Hicks in front of a rollercoaster. Picture: Harry ParvinMichelle Hicks in front of a rollercoaster. Picture: Harry Parvin
Michelle Hicks in front of a rollercoaster. Picture: Harry Parvin

The excitement and atmosphere never failed to put a spring in her step.

Twenty years on and that excitement remains.

Now, she is not only thrilled to have experienced some of the best rides in the world, but also to see her rollercoaster designs and structures come to life around the world.

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Michelle, originally from Clanfield, says: ‘I was always quite interested in engineering and how things are put together.

‘When I was younger, I was actually scared of the big rides. I remember going to Chessington World of Adventures when I was 12 with my family and queuing up for this roller coaster called The Vampire.

‘I didn’t get on it in the end because I was too scared. But the next year when we went back, I was determined.

‘I loved the immersion and speed. It’s a way to get away from stress.

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‘When I was about 14, I attended a lecture at the University of Reading about rollercoaster design. It was then that I decided and I believed I could transfer my passion for rollercoasters and theme parks into an engineering career.’

Michelle, now 29, studied civil engineering at the University of Surrey for five years, filling every summer with work experience at WSP Global – one of the world’s leading engineering firms.

‘I then joined WSP after I graduated as a structural engineer in their bridges team. I was involved in designing the London Bridge Station and I also designed the foundations for the Charlie Chaplin statue in Leicester Square – that’s my claim to fame,’ says Michelle.

‘I started working on the London Bridge project when I was 21 and was still seeing it being built when I was 23.

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‘I was working in a team of mechanical engineers, project managers and architects. It was incredible.

‘The office was right next to London Bridge so we could see it being physically constructed. It was incredibly rewarding and inspiring.’

In 2016, Michelle joined amusement empire, Merlin Entertainments, which oversees Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, Madame Tussauds and Legoland, to name a few.

‘I joined as a project manager at Chessington World of Adventures. It was a whirlwind of different projects. Everything from small rides and exhibits through to larger rides,’ says Michelle.

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‘It’s not just about building the concrete and structure, rides also need themes, audio and lights to make it an experience.’

One project Michelle is particularly proud of is in Chessington’s Land of the Tiger called Tiger Rock.

She explains: ‘We created this log flume through the tiger’s enclosure. They were being rehomed from a zoo in Sweden and Chessington was making space for them.

‘We wanted to give them an amazing enclosure which would make them happy and in turn make the guests happy.

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‘There were three enclosures to build and we constructed bridges which were the first of their kind in Europe which allowed the tigers to walk over the guests. It was great for them because we learnt that naturally, tigers like to be up high.

‘Then we constructed a log flume through the middle and outside the enclosure. It was a great success and won a Best Exhibit Design award in 2019.’

Seeing her designs through from conception to construction is one of Michelle’s favourite aspects of her job.

She says: ‘There is nothing better than on opening day seeing people excited about a project you have spent so much time on.

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Small rides can take one to two years and larger rides between four or five, they can be very complex.

‘Constructing rollercoasters is in the multi-million pound price range. Most are around £10m and as project manager it was my responsibility to make sure we were staying in budget, had the best people working on the project, and were getting the most out of our money.’

Earlier this year, Michelle co-founded Firefly Creations and plans to explore the international scene for theme parks and rollercoasters.

‘There is quite a lot going on in the Middle East with lots of big theme parks and experiences being built.

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‘Coronavirus has had a big impact on our industry and we have all banded together. It’s tough because parks are closed but there is a light at the end of the tunnel,’ she explains.

‘Projects are either on hold or pushed back but we are always thinking ahead because they take years to construct. We have plans for 2022 and 2023 already.

‘When parks opened back in summer, there was so much demand for entertainment and it showed us how important it is to create those memories with your family and friends.

‘I feel very optimistic about the future of our industry.’

Michelle says that some people still seem surprised when they see a woman show up to a construction project.

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‘Everyone seems to think that engineering and mechanics is for men but that is totally untrue,’ says Michelle, who now lives in Surrey.

‘It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, what ethnicity you are, what your religious background is, if you have the determination you will achieve.

‘I put all my efforts into where I am today and I want young people to know they can follow their dreams and passions.

‘Take engineering as an example, there are so many things you can do within it.

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‘I think some people are surprised when a young woman shows up to a project but I show them what I can do and that I know my stuff.

‘It’s about building relationships and that team.

‘The industry is changing even during the time I have been in it and we’re starting to see young women graduate and come into the industry.

‘I love what I do and am excited to see where my business grows.’

n Michelle is part of This is Engineering Day, a day created by the Royal Academy of Engineering to celebrate the world-shaping engineering that exists all around us but often goes unnoticed, as well as the engineers who make this possible. As part of This is Engineering Day, the Royal Academy of Engineering has announced plans to create a new virtual museum named The Museum of Engineering Innovation, which can be accessed through QR Codes dotted around the country as well as by visiting Google Arts and Culture. To view the first collection of exhibits, visit artsandculture.google.com.