I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge – Electrical Design and Build with MC Construction
Project Overview Barlows was appointed to deliver the full electrical design and build (as part of the broader MEP package) for the I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge, an immersive indoor entertainment attraction inspired by the hit ITV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
Working in close partnership with main contractor MC Construction, Barlows provided specialist electrical installations for this £7 million flagship development at Quayside MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester. The attraction opened to the public in July 2021, offering visitors a 90-minute action-packed experience recreating the jungle trials and challenges from the TV series.
Key Features
- Multi-level adventure course with treetop trails, scramble nets, rock climbing walls, ziplines, parachute drops, and vertical challenges
- Interactive Bushtucker Trial zones and themed jungle environments
- Star collection mechanics using wristbands and digital elements
- Supporting facilities including reception, retail/kiosk areas, and guest amenities
- Comprehensive electrical systems encompassing power distribution, specialist lighting (themed and functional), emergency lighting, fire alarm/detection, data/comms infrastructure, AV integration for immersive effects, control systems, and safe power supplies for high-level adventure equipment
The electrical design ensured reliable, energy-efficient performance in a high-energy, public-facing leisure environment with complex structural and thematic requirements.
Delivery and Collaboration The project involved intricate coordination to integrate electrical services into a bespoke, multi-storey indoor structure tailored for physical challenges and entertainment. Key challenges included:
- Safe power and lighting for elevated adventure elements (e.g., ziplines, climbing walls)
- Thematic lighting to enhance the immersive “jungle” atmosphere
- Compliance with health & safety standards for public attractions, including emergency systems and fail-safes
- Phased installation to meet the tight programme for a summer opening
Barlows collaborated closely with MC Construction, designers, and ITV/Continuum Attractions to deliver robust, compliant solutions that supported the attraction’s operational demands while minimising disruption during construction.
Outcome The I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge became a popular family entertainment destination at MediaCityUK upon opening, allowing visitors to “take on the jungle” and collect stars in a fun, adrenaline-filled setting. Although the attraction later closed in November 2022 due to financial viability issues (as announced by ITV), the project showcased Barlows’ capability in delivering specialist electrical packages for innovative leisure and themed attractions.
This collaboration with MC Construction highlights Barlows’ expertise in complex, high-profile entertainment developments requiring precise electrical design and integration for safety, immersion, and reliability.
Client: ITV / Continuum Attractions Main Contractor: MC Construction Location: Quayside MediaCityUK, Salford, Greater Manchester Scope: Electrical design and build (part of MEP) for immersive indoor jungle adventure attraction Completion: Delivered on programme for July 2021 opening
