Abandoned waterpark once the largest in the UK with record-breaking rides set to be demolished

A MUCH-LOVED waterpark with record-breaking rides is set to be demolished - five years after it closed down.

Opened by Gladiators' Jet in 1993, Wet ‘n’ Wild in North Shields was the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK.

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It was home to the country's biggest water slide, the 541ft-long Black Hole, as well as the Kamikaze, Abyss and the Lazy River.

Despite thousands of visitors flocking to the site in the years after it opened, the waterpark 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.”

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However, plans to demolish the waterpark were submitted last month by Bloom Developments.

According to local media, the proposals to knock down the building follow a number of incidents of people breaking into the site.

The application states: "Property has recurrent breaking and entering with increasing anti-social behaviour.

"Demolition will enable future development."

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If given the go-ahead, the demolishment will take around eight weeks.

Previous guests of the waterpark 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 simply said: "End of an era."

In better news, a waterpark in North Yorkshire reopened this summer.

Alpamare is right next to the beach in Scarborough.

It has two heated outdoor pools, one of which is a 35C infinity pool looking out over the beach, four slides, a wave machine and an alpine-themed spa for adults to relax in.

It’s even been granted a licence which lets visitors buy alcohol as early as 8am.

If you're looking to relax in the heat without hopping on a plane, you can head to the UK's biggest indoor waterpark which has tropical weather all year round.

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Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool has huge pools and 18 slides as well as the longest indoor water rollercoaster in the country.

And Splashdown Quaywest in Devon revealed a brand new "island" attraction this year.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the "surfing wellness resort" in the UK.