Seaton Tramway has bought the Seaton Jurassic building, to open a new visitor centre promoting the Jurassic Coast.

Set to open in the Spring of 2024, Jurassic Discovery will initially welcome visitors with a family-friendly café and a soft play area designed for children aged 1-12. By summer this year, the centre will unveil an immersive dinosaur exhibition, featuring state-of-the-art animatronic exhibits from the Natural History Museum.

Jurassic Discovery will promote the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, exploring 65 million years and 95 miles of history. Seaton and its surrounding areas host a range of stories and fossil finds.

New learning and activity sessions are being developed with all key stage groups in mind and will explore subjects like Evolution, Geology, Climate Change and Mass Extinctions.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) voted unanimously to agree to the freehold disposal of the Jurassic Centre to Seaton Tramway, the centre, which closed in September 2021, is set for a reopening in Spring 2024. This new attraction will bring a significant boost to the local economy and community, creating numerous job opportunities.

Jenny Nunn, CEO of Seaton Tramway said: “The council's decision marks a new era for Seaton and its visitors. Jurassic Discovery isn’t just an attraction; it's a leap into the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life. Our plans include a Dino-themed soft play area for the young explorers and a cutting-edge visitor experience that narrates the story of dinosaurs, their extinction, and their connection to our current environmental challenges. We are committed to creating an engaging, educational, and entertaining space that resonates with all age groups.”

Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council said: “Handing over the keys to Seaton Tramway, and a fresh start for the stewardship of this crucial attraction, is a great privilege. I’d like to take this last opportunity to thank the many volunteers who gave their all to the centre before, and I’m sure they'll join me in wishing Jenny and her team the very best for the future. The Jurassic Discovery Centre could not now be in better hands."