Merlin Buys Again

Magic · Merlin Buys Again

Merlin have had their cheque books out again. This time they've bought the London Aquarium next door to the London Eye. They've signed a 35 year lease with landlords of the site.

Additionally they've confirmed they'll be investing £5million in updating the attraction making it more interactive and fun. It will also be rebranded to form part of the Sea Life Centre chain.

And the company that's buying Oakwood, Aspro, have bought the Blue Reef Aquarium chain. What is it with theme park operators buying up aquariums. Are Aspro just copying Merlin or is there a real benefit to owning theme parks and aquariums?

Auntie Murial

Thanks for posting this information Magic.

I am absolutley extatic about this news as it is combining two of my main passions in life :- Theme Parks and Aquariums.

Very Happy

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Does that mean if we go there now we can get in with are merlin passes etc be great if we counld never been in there yet.

Auntie Murial

I am hoping this maybe the case, but we might have to wait until they rebrand the centre

Magic

I expect so, eventually, they've only just announced the purchase so it'll take some time for the Merlin arm to fully take control. Keep an eye on the annual pass site.

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Myself and Jess poped down to Weymouth for the day to the sealife centre and they have invested into 4 new rides for this year a rocking tug, small drop tower and pirate ship and a merry go round thing. Its all themed around a island plus there like a rain shower thing in the middle. Well themed a good job they have done to this. Pics will be on soon.

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http://www.smilers-photos.fotopic.net/c1532784_25.html

Pictures from sea life centre