A WATERPARK will not reopen to visitors this year, bringing the future of a popular attraction into doubt.

The owners of Wet n Wild, in North Shields, have said the water slide complex is no longer financially viable.

It is understood Serco Leisure, the current operator, is reviewing its plans for the future of the site.

Wet n Wild first opened in 1993, but closed in 2013 when the previous operator went into administration.

Serco Leisure took over in 2014 and invested in the venue, refurbishing the reception, café and the children’s Discovery Play Island, as well as the ageing boiler system and the pool plant area.

Rides include the Abyss, the Black Hole, Tornado and Kamikaze, and there is also a Lazy River, wave machine and a mini water park as well as soft play.

Serco Leisure has said it has incurred substantial financial losses in each year of operation as visitor numbers have been low outside of weekends and school holidays.

Simon Bailey, managing director at Serco Leisure, said: “I know the special place that Wet n Wild holds in the hearts of people in North Shields and the wider region and recognise that this announcement will come as a disappointment to many.

“Since taking over operation of the waterpark in 2014, Serco Leisure has explored every avenue to make the park a viable operation but regrettably we cannot continue to sustain the level of financial losses that we are experiencing.

“This has forced us to make the difficult and regrettable decision not to reopen in 2020, while we consider all options for the future of the site.”