Seaton Jurassic - one of the town's prime tourist attractions - will remain closed after lockdown as Devon Wildlife Trust has pulled out of operating the centre.

After five years of managing Seaton Jurassic, the trust says it had taken the "tough decision" not to continue in its role as the visitor attraction's operator.

It said the unique and unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the need to undertake substantial, costly renovations to the attraction's exhibitions, was at the heart of this decision.

This means Seaton Jurassic will remain closed after lockdown restrictions ease.

Devon Wildlife Trust's chief executive, Harry Barton, said: "We're very proud of what we have achieved at Seaton Jurassic over the past five years. The team of staff and volunteers we've built have done great work establishing the centre.

"Since opening in 2016, 250,000 visitors have come to explore Seaton Jurassic's unique interpretation of the story of life and its evolution from the Jurassic era to the present day."

|We have also developed good and supportive partnerships with East Devon District Council and the wider community of Seaton. However, the past year has been like no other.

"Visitor attractions throughout the UK have suffered greatly from the restrictions on travel and social distancing measures put in place as a result of COVID-19. This has meant that Seaton Jurassic has had to endure long periods of enforced closure and its visitor numbers have fallen.

"This has coincided with the need for significant investment to upgrade and refresh the exhibits alongside other changes to deliver a top-quality visitor experience.

"Reluctantly, we have decided that the risk of this financial investment, coupled with the many other challenges we face, mean that we will not continue as its operator."

The £4million Seaton Jurassic was opened it 2016 by HRH The Princess Royal, taking visitors on a unique journey through time, teaching them about the evolution, wildlife and geology of the last 250 million years.

It formed a major part of the recent redevelopment of Seaton, which has also included a new station for Seaton Tramway, development of Seaton Wetlands, the opening of the Tesco store and Premier Inn.

In October last year, the attraction announced plans to expand its outside area, allowing for the extension of the existing interpretation about 'Living Seas' to highlight the special qualities of Lyme Bay and the Axe Estuary Marine Conservation Zone.

East Devon District Council says it will now "examine the implications for the centre" before announcing any decisions on the future of Seaton Jurassic.

Cllr Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for Tourism, Sports, Leisure and Culture, said: "We're very sorry to hear this news but understand that the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on many, including Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) and East Devon District Council.

"Our partnership at Seaton Jurassic has been of immense benefit to the town and the many visitors that have enjoyed Seaton Jurassic.

"We are grateful to DWT for all their hard work and community engagement and we would certainly hope that we can work in partnership with DWT on future occasions.

"We will now examine the implications for the centre and announce in due course how we intend to move onto the next chapter for Seaton Jurassic."

Cllr Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, added: "We cannot let this moment pass without thanking the huge number of volunteers from Seaton who have given so much time to keep the centre going against the odds.

"EDDC will ensure that any future plans are the subject of a full community engagement with the people of Seaton."

The centre incorporated Seaton Tourist Information Centre, where enquiries are continuing to be monitored and answered, and a café run by a separate operator, Taste of the West, which will remain closed until May 17 at the earliest.

A statement from Seaton Town Council said: "The town council was saddened to hear that Devon Wildlife Trust have decided to relinquish their tenancy of Seaton Jurassic and would like to thank Richard Drysdale and his team for all their hard work over recent years and, in particular, for their partnership with Seaton Town Council running tourist information services.

"The town council is looking at alternative options for the future operation and location of the tourist information centre."

Devon County Council member for Seaton and Colyton, Cllr Martin Shaw, added: "This is a devastating new blow to Seaton, and very sad after all the hard work of staff and volunteers.

"This puts EDDC in a very difficult position, given the financial constraints councils find themselves under. I hope they will find a way forward to enable Seaton Jurassic to reopen as soon as possible.

"The government also has a role here. It should recognise how cultural attractions like Seaton Jurassic have suffered during the pandemic, and give support to EDDC to deal with this challenge.

"This isn't even about 'levelling up', it's just basic support for the local economy."

Although Seaton Jurassic will remain closed after the current lockdown restrictions ease, a number of open days and one-off events are planned for the summer.

For more details visit seatonjurassic.org

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