Project Overview
The Tropical Cyclone water ride is the largest interactive four-person raft ride in Europe. The ride twists and turns for 125m, whilst the rider experiences gravity-defying drops.
A major aspect of this project included the construction of the Tropical Cyclone water ride, the largest interactive four-person raft ride in Europe.
Minimising disruption was vital as the project was undertaken with guest activities taking place on all sides.
Control measures included placing camouflage netting around the boundary to partially obscure views of the site and establishing a material storage area on the edge of the forest. The latter not only helped reduce the number of vehicles travelling through pedestrianised areas, but it also enabled materials to be sent to SDC for safe storage as soon as they became available – an important consideration as many products were delivered from an international supply chain.
Core Team
Andy Shiner
Contracts Manager
Andy embarked on a career in construction at 18, starting with a carpentry apprenticeship. During three years with local carpentry firms, he gained experience erecting timber frames and honed first and second fix carpentry skills, developing a strong foundation in building finishes and trade collaboration.
In 2008, Andy transitioned to site management, joining SDC Builders Ltd as an Assistant Site Manager while pursuing a part-time Foundation Degree in Construction Management. Working on complex projects valued at up to £20m, he developed skills in logistics, programming, and health and safety. He was promoted to Site Manager in 2010, managing notable projects for clients such as Babraham Bioscience Technologies and the University of Cambridge.
By 2015, Andy had advanced to the roles of Construction Manager and then Contracts Manager, overseeing multiple projects with a combined value of up to £50m. His role expanded to include pre-construction planning, financial oversight, and post-occupancy responsibilities. In 2018, he became a Project Director, contributing to company-wide decision-making before joining SDC’s Board of Directors in 2020.
As a Board Director, Andy oversees the delivery of three or four projects simultaneously, guiding teams through tender preparation, construction, and completion. His extensive experience working on-site enables him to effectively support site staff and gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Andy also leads strategic initiatives, mentors staff and manages the key Plant Hire department. Building and maintaining client relationships is a central focus, supporting the company’s high rate of repeat business, which accounts for 80% of turnover.
Paul Cooper
Commercial Manager
Mike Hodges
Contracts Manager
Mike joined in 2005 and is an accomplished Contracts Manager with decades of experience. Mike is an exemplar of all that SDC stands for; he is fully accustomed to SDC’s collaborative, problem-solving approach and he has a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
Joe Jackson
Quantity Surveyor
Warren Foster
Design Coordinator
James Franklin
M&E Manager
