Hull's Deep aquarium applies for £700,000 loan as it fights for financial survival

One of Yorkshire's top attractions has applied for a £700,000 government-backed loan.
A diver at the Deep alongside sharks and a turtle Picture: The DeepA diver at the Deep alongside sharks and a turtle Picture: The Deep
A diver at the Deep alongside sharks and a turtle Picture: The Deep

The Deep aquarium at Sammy's Point in Hull had to close in March and needs cash to carry it through the pandemic.

Looking after the 3,000 animals at the aquarium - including seven species of shark - costs £6,500 a day but, with no customers coming through the door, revenues have nose-dived.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The application for a Government-backed Coronavirus Interruption Loan was revealed in a Hull Council decision record.

Gentoo penguins at The Deep in Hull  Picture:  Lynne Cameron/PA WireGentoo penguins at The Deep in Hull  Picture:  Lynne Cameron/PA Wire
Gentoo penguins at The Deep in Hull Picture: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

It stated: "The UK Government is providing a guarantee to NatWest for 80 per cent of the loan, although the Deep is still responsible for payment of the loan in full."

The loan is repayable over four years with no repayments in the first year. However the interest rate will be on commercial terms for the remaining three years.

It adds: "Consequently the company will need to be able to raise the income to meet repayments through its trading activity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Prior to the pandemic the surpluses generated by the company would have been adequate to meet the repayments."

The Deep on a sunny say in July. Picture: Simon HulmeThe Deep on a sunny say in July. Picture: Simon Hulme
The Deep on a sunny say in July. Picture: Simon Hulme

Since opening in 2002, the Deep has proved a huge success: it pulls in around 450,000 visitors every year, is a popular destination for corporate entertaining, and acts as a platform for globally significant research and conservation programmes.

It appealed for donations last month, reporting on April 21 that it had raised over £30,000.

One of its most popular exhibits are the gentoo penguins, which visitors can see being hand-fed by their keepers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are 70 individual habitats, including a tropical lagoon, teeming with brightly-coloured tropical fish and rays. The biggest tank, the 10-metre-deep Endless Oceans exhibit, provides a home to sharks, rays and pair of rescued Loggerhead sea turtles.

Council leader Steve Brady said: "They consulted us and obviously we have an interest in the Deep, it was originally supported and financed by the council along with Lottery grants.

"They needed our permission to apply for the loan and obviously we support The Deep and are supportive of that.

"What's important is to fully support The Deep and make sure it survives."

The Deep has been approached for a comment.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.