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Home / Latest News / 2008 / 4 / 15 /

World Class Aquarium for Bristol's Harbourside

 

New attraction announced for Explore-At-Bristol complexExplore-At-Bristol and its partners the South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) and Bristol City Council can today announce plans for a new, world-class aquarium in the former Wildwalk and IMAX® building.

The £4 million fit out by Blue Reef Leisure Ltd will showcase both native and tropical marine and freshwater creatures in naturally themed habitats designed to inspire deeper understanding of the natural world.

Work is due to begin on the project in July 2008 with planned opening in summer 2009. Blue Reef will also operate the IMAX® theatre.

Goery Delacote, Chief Executive of Explore-At-Bristol says, 'This brand new attraction is the perfect addition to Bristol's vibrant Harbourside. Its conservation message complements Explore-At-Bristol's science remit and we anticipate a long and successful relationship which will help both Explore and the new aquarium move from strength to strength.'

Blue Reef's Ian Cunningham comments, 'We are delighted to be involved in creating what will be a world class aquarium in a fantastic location and we are very much looking forward to working with the At-Bristol team.'

Blue Reef has a proven track record of operating highly successful visitor attractions with aquariums in Portsmouth, Tynemouth, Newquay, Cornwall and Hastings. It was selected following a bidding process, funded by the South West RDA, to find a new tenant for the building.

Ian Knight, Area Director at the South West RDA said, 'As one of the original funders of At-Bristol, we have been working very closely with the Explore team to find a suitable new use for the Wildwalk building, in order to unlock the area's business potential. It was very important to find an occupier that would add to the creative and cultural offer at Harbourside at the same time as complementing Explore, and Blue Reef certainly fits the bill.

'The aquarium will combine displays of marine life with a broad educational and conservation programme, further underlining Bristol's status as one of the UK's 'Science Cities', which recognises its strengths and achievements in world-class scientific innovation, research and development.'

Explore-At-Bristol will work closely with Blue Reef to help to rejuvenate the Harbourside creating a cultural hub for both residents and visitors to the city.

Stephen Wray, Director of Culture and Leisure Services at Bristol City Council, welcomed the announcement that the aquarium project had been chosen as the new use for this landmark building.

He said: 'This will provide a further boost for the city and enhance the Harbourside's growing national and international reputation as a thriving cultural hub and visitor destination.

' Existing attractions on the Harbourside, including Explore-At-Bristol itself; the ss Great Britain; Watershed media centre and The Arnolfini, are all proving popular and successful - and with the council's new £24.5 million Museum of Bristol on the way, we are entering an exciting new era for this wonderful part of the city centre.

' The council and its partners in Destination Bristol look forward to working with Blue Reef to promote the Harbourside and the city as a whole as a great place to visit.'

Peter McIlwraith, At-Bristol Chairman adds, 'Our friends and partners have stood by us throughout this lengthy negotiation process and we are very grateful to SWERDA, Bristol City Council and the Big Lottery fund for their continued support and enthusiasm.'

Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund Peter Wanless said: "As a local boy who used to love his days out in Bristol, I am particularly delighted that the Lottery's initial investment of £47 million in the At-Bristol complex will enhance the City's educational and cultural offer in new and exciting ways."