Bear Grylls Adventure: Birmingham NEC attraction demolition after shock closure - what's planned next

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.

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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.

“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.”

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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.”

A consultation is underway with a closing date for submissions of today, May 22.

To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2025/00872/PN at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.