The design and build of the eight rides that will be installed at the redeveloped Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare are nearing completion.

The bespoke rides, supplied by Stroud-based ride manufacturer Gravitron, are part of a £3m contract secured by the company when the 106-year-old pier was destroyed in a fire in 2008.

The flagship ride will be a 300m (984 ft) long go-kart track on two levels - one of the biggest of its type in the world - with 22 electric karts, two of which are twin-seaters, travelling at speeds of up to 70 mph.

Also being installed are a 12.5m (41 ft) high twin slide helter-skelter as well as dodgems, a ghost train, a 'crazy house' with 36 fun obstacles, a mirror maze and a 'groovy house' containing a psychedelic, three-dimensional light show.

There will also be two electric trains, each able to carry up to 32 passengers along the 400 metre (1,300 ft) pier.

When complete, other facilities at the pier will include a new pavilion, a 250-seat conference facility and a 90m (295.3ft) observation tower overlooking the resort.

It is estimated that the overall investment in the pier will reach £51m.

The original pier was destroyed by fire in July 2008, only months after being acquired by brother and sister Michelle and Kerry Michael. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

By September 2008, six designs had been shortlisted for a replacement and on 17 October the Michaels selected Bristol-based architect Angus Meek to design the new attraction.

The pier is scheduled to open in July 2010.