The next major project for Merlin in the UK has been announced. SW8 (just a project name for now) has been announced for Alton Towers. It will be a GCI woodie, with a 2 minute pre-show (a rarity for UK rides) and utilised a "silent magnetic lift system" which it is hypothesised could be mean a "launched" start. To help with sound issues that have plagued the park for much of it's life, parts of the ride including the entire first drop will be enclosed. Construction will being in the autumn of this year (2016) but the ride isn't slated to open until the Spring of 2018.
https://towersstreet.com/news/2016/breaking-news-sw8-plans-published/