Update issued after UK’s first Sea Life centre was discovered with tanks still full
After the viral story of an old Sea Life centre being found with some of its tanks still full, it turns out there are plans for its future.
Back in October 2018, the Sea Life Sanctuary near Oban, Scotland, closed permanently – nearly 40 years after it first opened as the UK's first.
Content creator Daniel Sims took an interest in the place when he discovered the possibility of walking through its abandoned facilities.
The YouTuber headed over there in 2024, as part of his speciality in documenting 'strange and wonderful abandoned places, ruins and monuments'.
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He ended up coming across tanks still containing water, left behind 'cleaning chemicals and hazardous materials', as well as food for the animals.
Having been sat there closed for over seven years now, plans have in fact been submitted for its demolition.
Earlier this year, Gael Force Properties and Investments Ltd submitted a notice for demolition to Argyll and Bute Council for the derelict buildings.
Documents submitted with the application stated that the proposal is to 'make way for a new development'.
Planning agents Northern Lights Consulting Ltd said in a statement: “This method statement describes the safe demolition of the café and shop buildings at the former Sea Life Centre, Barcaldine.
“The works will comply with all relevant legislation, best practice guidelines, and contract requirements. The two buildings are timber framed, with dado walls constructed of brickwork and timber clad superstructure.
“The shop building has a concrete ‘basement’ level including retaining wall although on three sides it is at or close to existing ground level (due to the sloping nature of the site).”
Works are set to involve both the demolition and removal of the café and shop buildings, as well as the removal of internal furniture and fittings.
Daniel was particularly surprised to see that much of the centre was 'in such good condition' as he said: “The whole thing is really interesting.”
A statement on the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary website reads: “Sadly visitor numbers to the attraction have been in decline and after comprehensively reviewing every possible option, there isn't a viable way to sustain the significant investment that is required in order to keep the sanctuary open.
“Therefore we have come to the sad conclusion to close the sanctuary on the 31st October 2018.
“This was an enormously tough decision which has been reached with a heavy heart and with the utmost consideration.”
Jess Battison