Former bear grylls nec attraction to be cleared with future plans teased

THE £20 MILLION VENUE SHUT DOWN LAST YEAR AND NOW THE REMNANTS WILL BE SWEPT AWAY OVER THE SUMMER 09:36, 22 May 2025Updated 14:47, 22 May 2025 Work to clear a £20 million family attraction

which closed last year could take place this summer if planning permission is granted. Merlin Entertainments - which ran the former Bear Grylls Adventure - has revealed plans for the future

of the site at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. The attraction, which carried the name of the famous British adventurer, offered 11 experiences including a 65ft high-rope course and

shark dives. READ MORE : SOLIHULL SPORTS VENUE REVEALS LATEST AMBITIOUS PLANS TO EXPAND GET THE LATEST COURT AND CRIME NEWS DIRECT VIA OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE But last October bosses

announced it would close after six years due to "commercial challenges" and lasting financial effects following the Covid pandemic. After its closure, 1,000 marine animals

including sharks, rays, and tropical fish were re-homed to the nearby National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, as well as other UK Sea Life sites. Now an application has been submitted to

Solihull Council to take down and remove parts of the site. A cover letter included in the planning application from Lichfields, the planning agents, said: “The themed attraction and

activity centre has been closed since December. “The high ropes, chinook, and associated structures relating to the existing Bear Grylls Adventure themed attraction are proposed to be

demolished. “Following the demolition the site is to be restored and made good. "The proposed works will ensure a high-quality appearance is maintained at the site and that structures

that are no longer required will be removed.” If permission is granted by Solihull planners, the work would begin on July 1 with an expected completion date of late August. Lichfields also

provided details on the future of the site, adding: “The pavilion building and I-Fly (indoor skydiving) building will remain in-situ but the existing signage will be removed. “A separate

planning application to change the use of the pavilion building back to an exhibition centre will be submitted in due course, alongside an application proposing new advertisements in

connection with the rebranded I-Fly attraction.” A consultation is underway with a closing date for submissions of today, May 22. Article continues below To view the plans and submit a

comment search for application PL/2025/00872/PN at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.