Michael Sheeran said the wet weather over the Easter Bank Holiday demonstrates the need for more indoor facilities at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

They are also hoping to plug a gap that will be left in the region when Metroland closes on April 20, bringing more families to South Tyneside.

Mr Sheeran, owner of M & J Sheerans Amusements, said: "For a long time we have felt the need for more indoor facilities at Ocean Beach and also to extend the season.

"We are running from Easter to Bonfire Night currently, so what we are looking to do is create a family entertainment complex, which will house some of the existing facilities on site and bring new attractions to South Shields."

The main attraction will be a 4D cinema, if planning permission for the glass-fronted development is granted.

There will also be a go-kart track, a climbing wall between the two floors, a beach-themed café and American pool hall.

"It is a major development, although we are constantly investing in new equipment and new rides," said Mr Sheeran.

The bank holiday weekend was a wash-out for the fair as snow finally hit the borough.

To thank the hardy people who still made the effort to visit, rides at the fair will be free between 11am and noon tomorrow.

Mr Sheeran said: "It's a gesture from all the ride operators at Ocean Beach.

"One of the main reasons we have put planning permission in to have an indoor facility on the site is you can't rely on the British weather."

The development will complement the expansion of the neighbouring Dunes amusement arcade and the overall regeneration of the Foreshore.

Mr Sheeran added: "We want the seafront to be functioning throughout the year, rather than just six or seven months of the year.

"We are keen to be part of the regeneration of the Foreshore. We want to keep Ocean Beach as one of the major leisure destinations in North East England."

New rides already in place for the 2008 season include Crazy Bulls rodeo ride and thrill rides Kickdown, The Wild Thing and Powersurge, and water shooting ride Shark Island is due to arrive in May.

Mr Sheeran added: "We are working closely with planners to create the right attraction for Ocean Beach and the seafront."