Abandoned waterpark once the largest in the UK with record-breaking rides set to be demolished
A WATERPARK that was once the biggest in the UK is set to be demolished, five years after it closed down.
Wet ‘n’ Wild in North Shields was the largest UK waterpark, with some record-breaking rides.
This includes the country’s longest waterslide Kamikaze (opened by Gladiators‘ Jet in 1993) and Britain’s biggest water slide, the 541ft-long Black Hole.
However, it was forced to close back in 2019, following both maintenance issues and a drop in visitor numbers.
Back in June, fans of the closed-down attraction had hoped it would reopen after it was sold to an unnamed developer.
Former owners Serco said at the time: “We’ve agreed to sell the site and have exchanged contracts with a local developer.”
However, plans were submitted last month by Bloom Developments which show plans to demolish the waterpark.
This includes the entire building and the external slides.
According to local media, the destruction of the building is following a number of incidents at the site by people breaking into it.
The application states: “Property has recurrent breaking and entering with increasing anti-social behaviour.
“Demolition will enable future development.”
If given the go-ahead, the demolishment will take around eight weeks.
Previous guests of the waterpark had expressed their sadness over the decision
One person said: “Bring it back I say I’d love to take my kids.
Another agreed: “Someone needs to start a petition and get this place back up and running.”
A third simple said: “End of an era.”
In better news, you can head to the UK’s biggest indoor waterpark which has tropical weather all year
Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool has huge pools and 18 slides as well as the longest indoor water rollercoaster in the country.
Or there is Alpamare waterpark which reopened this summer right next to the beach in Scarborough.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
It’s even been granted a drinking license which lets visitors buy alcohol as early as 8am.
And Splashdown Quaywest in Devon revealed a brand new “island” attraction this year – here’s everything you need to know.