Kenilworth
Nub News Logo
Nub News

Bear Grylls attraction to be cleared with plans for future revealed

Local News by Sam Greenway - Local Democracy Reporter 27th May 2025  
The Bear Grylls Adventure attraction opened at the NEC in 2018 before closing last December (image via SWNS)
The Bear Grylls Adventure attraction opened at the NEC in 2018 before closing last December (image via SWNS)
advertisement

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.

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.

advertisement

"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."

The public consultation has now finished.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
kenilworth vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: kenilworth jobs

     

Good reason (not) to support local news.

Local News is essential for Kenilworth's community.
So, what's the reason not to support local news?

Honest answer:
Not everyone can afford to pay for news.

That's why Kenilworth Nub News does not have a paywall.
If you are not able to help at the moment -
continue to read us for free.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience
advertisement

Share:


advertisement

43% OFF

Outdoor 6-Seater Modular Rattan Corner Sofa Set with Coffee Table
Sofa good, you'll wish every seat at home was this comfy! - Modular Rattan Corner Sofa 6-Seater Set from Furniture One Limited
£699 £398.43

30% OFF

Apple AirPods 2nd Gen with Lightning Charging Case and 1m Cable
Hear the difference-wireless freedom is music to your ears! Apple Earbuds 2nd Gen - Charging Case and 1m Cable
£199.95 £139.3

34% OFF

 Save  up to  63%  222 Bought PRICE DROP! Wingline Divan Bed & Mattress - 8 Colours - 2 or 4 Drawers Option View variant  Save  up to  34%  66 Bought Falcon Velvet Scatterback Sofa Range – Armchair, 2-Seater, 3-Seater & 3+2 Set | Plush Velvet Sofas for Modern Living Rooms View Selling fast! gemini_outpaint_variant_43944525  Save  69%  313 Bought PRICE DROP! Luxury Rio Divan Bed: Premium Memory Sprung Foam Mattress & Optional Storage Drawers - 6 Sizes & 10 Colours View Selling fast! variant  Save  75%  5404 Bought Crushed Velvet Divan Bed & Memory Sprung Mattress - 7 Colour Options View Selling fast! variant  Save  68%  549 Bought PRICE DROP! Plush Velvet Pure Wingback Upholstered Bed with Memory Foam Sprung Mattress View DMD Collective 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Machine with Digital Display and Milk Frother
Pull an espresso and a smile-it's café quality right at home! 20-Bar Espresso Coffee Maker with Frother
£89.99 £58.74

Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide kenilworth with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Kenilworth. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience