A MAJOR Sussex tourist attraction is to be sold off.

The Hastings SeaLife Aquarium has been put on the market along with seven other aquariums across the country owned by Merlin Entertainments.

But the tourism giant has assured visitors and staff the decision does not have to mean the end of the popular centre.

The premises are being put up for sale along with the centre's large collection of marine wildlife, which includes sharks, stingray and dog fish.

Mark Oakley, Merlin spokesman, said: "It's one of our smaller concerns but is also one of our most popular.

"Since it opened in 1990, the centre has had more than one-and -a-half million visitors through the doors.

"This decision has been taken so we can concentrate our efforts on our larger concerns and develop our centres in Europe."

"We have no intention of closing this centre and it will remain open until a buyer is found."

A handful of private individuals and entertainment companies have already contacted Merlin about buying the premises.

Mr Oakley added: "There is already a lot if interest but nothing concrete at the moment."

The four full-time and eleven part time staff were told of the decision yesterday morning but were under orders from Merlin bosses not to make any comments.

Kevin Boorman, marketing manager at Hastings Borough Council, said it was important the future of the centre was safeguarded.

He said: "If by selling it carries on as one of our leading tourist attractions then that's a good thing.

"I'm sure it will be sold very quickly as it is so popular."

Other centres now on the market are those in Newquay, Weston-Super-Mare, Rhyl, Tynemouth, Southend, Hundstanton and Portsmouth.

The centre in Brighton, one of the company's largest marine attractions, will remain open, along with others in Blackpool and Birmingham.

Merlin has five centres in mainland Europe and also runs the London Dungeons and the National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall.

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