Artists’ impressions showing the final design for the $12.3 million redevelopment of Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre have been released ahead of forward works which are due to begin early next year.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman, who was in Bunbury on Wednesday to officially unveil the final design for the upgrade and expansion of the city’s premier tourist attraction, said the redevelopment was destined to become a new local landmark.
“It’s expected the Dolphin Discovery Centre’s bold new-look building will not only bring a visual ‘wow’ factor to one of the main approaches into the city centre, but also deliver a world-class experience for visitors,” Mr Redman said.
“The redevelopment will include a significantly expanded interpretative experience, with more aquarium space and interactive exhibits.
“There will also be a cafe, function rooms and a bigger administration area, while a new souvenir and information space will offer a gateway to other tourism assets in the South West.”
The centre receives up to 115,000 visitors a year - more than 50 per cent of whom are international visitors - and is a hub for marine research. It will remain open during the multi-staged redevelopment.
“The centre offers the opportunity to interact with wild dolphins in their natural habitat and this upgrade will serve to build on its appeal to domestic and international visitors,” Minister Redman said.
“The redevelopment of the Dolphin Discovery Centre is made possible by the state government’s Royalties for Regions program and is a part of the larger Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project which includes the makeover of the Koombana Bay foreshore.
“The state government is pleased to play a role in delivering a high-quality waterfront destination that aims to benefit the community and stimulate the local economy.”
The progress of Koombana North at Bunbury Waterfront was facilitated by a ministerial taskforce group, chaired by Bunbury MLA John Castrilli, in close consultation with the City of Bunbury and the local community.
Mr Castrilli welcomed the unveiling of the designs and said it marked an exciting step for the city as a whole.
“The new plans will really take the Dolphin Discovery Centre forward in terms of its appeal to the tourism market as well as providing an exciting and educational multi-purpose facility for the benefit of local residents,” Mr Castrilli said.
“We need to keep spreading the word about Bunbury’s dolphins so that people from Australia and the world know that Monkey Mia isn’t the only place in WA you can interact with dolphins in their natural habitat.”
“The research being done by dolphin centre staff, volunteers and associated university studies is also an integral part of understanding our region’s wild dolphin population and the upgrades to the centre will help further these aims.”
