Seaton Jurassic looks set to reopen as Jurassic Discovery next spring under the ownership of Seaton Tramway.
The centre closed in September 2021 when the original operator Devon Wildlife Trust withdrew from the site following the impact of the Covid pandemic.
It’s owned by East Devon District Council which has been working to find a way forward for the site that would enable it to reopen as a visitor attraction for Seaton.
Last month its Cabinet agreed to the freehold transfer of the site to Seaton Tramway, and this is expected to be ratified by the full council on October 18. Councillors will also be asked to make sure the money received from Seaton Tramway is reinvested in Seaton, in projects relating to the natural environment linked with the new Jurassic Discovery attraction.
Jenny Nunn, CEO of Seaton Tramway, said: “We welcome the decision made by the EDDC cabinet which, if agreed by councillors at the council, will give visitors and local people the attraction the area deserves bringing in much needed revenue and job creation to the local economy.
“The Jurassic Discovery will also accommodate a Dino-themed soft play area as well as a visitor experience that will give visitors a snapshot of life 100 million years ago, picking up the global story of the dinosaurs and why they became extinct, with a mix of modern technology and animatronic exhibits from the Natural History Museum.
“It will also offer the chance to reflect on earth’s timeline and the issues we face today whilst highlighting the Jurassic Coast with a free-to-view area pointing to fun things to explore at our local Jurassic coastal centres. With Seaton Tramway as the new owners, we will build on our success as a top visitor attraction expanding on our existing offer with community and educational projects alongside our new initiatives for the exciting, new, and fun vision we have for Jurassic Discovery.”
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: "We are delighted that the long and winding road to turn around this flagship centre for Seaton, the Axe Valley, and East Devon has brought us to where we are now. I have had the great privilege of engaging personally with the Tramway organisation to secure this viable outcome.
"We are very fortunate to have such a brilliant organisation both able and willing to take the building on to a fresh start as the Jurassic Discovery Centre. I wish Jenny and her terrific team all the best for the future and thank them for their commitment in helping achieve this outcome."
Following completion of the sale in the next few months it is hoped that the new Jurassic Discovery will re-open ready for the 2024 visitor season.
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