These drone images show how the Wet ‘n’ Wild demolition is progressing.
Heavy plant machinery including diggers moved onto the site to start demolishing the popular North Tyneside attraction in November last year. Now, the attraction has been largely flattened with just the flumes remaining.
The attraction was enjoyed by generations of youngsters – and perhaps gave their parents a scare.
Wet ‘n’ Wild opened in 1993 and was originally home to Britain’s biggest water slide, the 165 metre long Black Hole. However, many people in the region were left shocked in October 2013 when it was announced the attraction was closing.
An application was made by new owners Bloom Developments Ltd who sought permission for the demolition in July and this was granted at the end of August by North Tyneside Council. The application was for permission to demolish “the building formerly known as Wet ‘n’ Wild, including external slides”.
Giving reason for why the building needs to be demolished, the application added: “Property has recurrent breaking and entering with increasing anti-social behaviour. Demolition will enable future development.”
The main Wet ‘n’ Wild building is to be demolished, as is an outbuilding. Earlier this summer, local DJ superstar DJ Schak and some pals “made history” by entering the site and streaming a “rave” on social media.
In the decision letter issued when council officers approved the demolition, it reads: “Demolition is expected to last approximately 8 weeks and is expected to commence as soon as possible following the determination of this application.”
After demolition, the site is set to be “levelled and surfaced with hardcore”. Plans for the future of the site at that stage have not been revealed. The site was purchased from Serco Leisure earlier this summer.