WEYMOUTH’S Jurassic Skyline tourist attraction will close for the winter for the first time, it has been announced.

The viewing tower is moving to a ‘seasonal opening calendar’ after having operated all year round since its launch in the summer of 2012.

Operators say the move comes following a business decision which reflects the 'changing tourism landscape'.

It will subsequently close on Sunday, November 20 for the remainder of 2016. The attraction will re-open for the new season on April 1, 2017 and then open daily until October 31, 2017.

Jurassic Skyline General Manager Tamsin Mutton-McKnight said: “Jurassic Skyline has become a much-loved part of the Weymouth landscape in the four years since it opened.

“In this ever changing tourism environment it is necessary to regularly evaluate the performance of our businesses.

"As a result of this we’ve made the decision to reflect the seasonal demand in our operating times.

“We look forward to re-opening Jurassic Skyline in April 2017 and the exciting developments for the year ahead.”

The 53m tower, situated on the Pleasure Pier on the Pavilion peninsula, is owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments Group which also runs the Sea Life Centres and a host of other popular attractions nationwide.

Formerly known as the Weymouth Sea Life Tower, the £3.5m tower attraction offers great views of Weymouth and the Jurassic Coast. The viewing capsule slowly rotates a full 360 degrees as it move upwards offering uninterrupted panoramic views.

The attraction was launched in June 2012 ahead of the Olympics and then last year it was rebranded and renamed Jurassic Skyline to reflect the history, heritage and coastline around Weymouth.

Planning permission for the structure lasts until November 30, 2017 and it is not known what will happen after that.

The Echo reported in June how the operators were reviewing future plans for the attraction. They could offer no further comment today on future plans.