Rhyl's SeaQuarium closes down blaming coastal defence work

Open to the public for three decades, the SeaQuarium welcomed 80,000 visitors a year

An aquarium in Denbighshire has closed down with immediate effect.

SeaQuarium, in Rhyl, made the announcement on its website, blaming major engineering work nearby for disrupting business.

A £92m coastal defence scheme has been taking place in the town for months.

Staff had warned that noise and vibrations from the project were stressing the centre's animals and putting them at "serious risk of harm".

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Ongoing repairs to the sea defences - approved by Denbighshire County Council in 2022 following a public consultation - are aimed at protecting hundreds of homes and dozens of businesses from future flooding risk.

"It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the news that the SeaQuarium will be permanently closing its doors as of 4pm on Monday, 27 November - unfortunately we have no other options," the SeaQuarium said in a statement.

"This decision comes as a result of the ongoing Coastal Sea Defence work on Rhyl Promenade."

The business added that it was "fully committed to working with Denbighshire County Council and ensuring the well-being of our beloved seals and marine animals".

Efforts to rehome the creatures at the centre are currently under way, with some having already been relocated to other aquariums and zoos throughout the UK.

The SeaQuarium, which was open for 30 years, employed 20 people.

The centre thanked its "dedicated staff" for their "passion and tireless efforts" and said it was "committed to assisting our team through the process of redundancies".

It also expressed its "deepest appreciation to the local community and beyond for their unwavering support throughout the years".

Denbighshire County Council has been asked to comment.