Blackpool Pleasure Beach has debuted its highly-anticipated steel launch coaster – Icon – which opens to the public today (25 May).

Designed by German rollercoaster engineer Werner Stengel and manufactured by Mack Rides, the £16.25m (US$21.75m, €18.5m) ride is the first multi-launch coaster to come to the UK.

In the works since 2013, Icon serves as the park's sixth steel roller coaster and tenth rollercoaster overall. The ride has a Japanese theme, with visitors entering through a large Japanese-style set of gates, before walking down landscaped pathways. At its peak, the ride, which lasts 80 seconds over 1,143m (3,750ft), reaches heights of 88.5ft (30m), with drops of 82ft (25m).

Amanda Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the future IAAPA chair, said that the addition of Icon would help to re-energise the resort, bringing in a new thrill seeking audience.

"We have to keep investing in our resort because everyone comes back to Blackpool time and time again," she said.

"We have to keep making it different, we have to keep making it new, we have to keep making it exciting.

"It is a simply stunning ride and I’m delighted with the look and style of it. We have created a totally unique experience here at Blackpool Pleasure Beach confirming our continued commitment to make it one of the world’s greatest amusement parks."