Flooding in the JORVIK Viking Centre

The severe flooding in York has caused major flooding to the city’s JORVIK Viking Centre in Coppergate.

The visitor attraction is located in a basement below the Coppergate Shopping Centre. The world-famous ride around a recreation of the Viking-age street of Coppergate, is under around 50cm of water.

“When we first became aware of water leaking into the basement, we immediately transported all of the historic artefacts within JORVIK up to the first floor, and they have now been moved off-site to a safe location. However, around half of the attraction is currently submerged, with water under the raised floor upon which the remainder sits,” comments Sarah Maltby, director of attractions for York Archaeological Trust. “We are devastated by the scale of the water incursion in what, until now had been a watertight basement.”

The team from York Archaeological Trust, owners of the JORVIK Viking Centre, is already implementing plans to get the water pumped out and repairs complete as soon as possible.

The other attractions owned and managed by the JORVIK Group in York remain open to the public during this period and plans are still underway for the 32nd Viking Festival in February. The centre will remain closed until further notice.

ENDS

Notes to photographers: We can grant access to the JORVIK basement. Call Jay Commins on 01904 500698 to arrange a visit.