New aerial photographs show the expansion of the Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre is well underway.
The outside of the landmark new building is taking shape with an interior fit-out underway and the centre is on track for a staged reopening in December.
Bunbury Development Committee chair Robyn Fenech said the new centre was expected to attract visitors to Bunbury who would also be encouraged to see what else the city had to offer.
“The new-look Dolphin Discovery Centre will form part of a wider tourism and community precinct, incorporating the award-winning Koombana foreshore as well as the planned Koombana park development,” she said.
“Importantly, this precinct is connected back to the city centre through recent upgrades, which include the landmark Koombana pedestrian bridge, which lights up at night in a range of colours.”
South West Development Commission acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said it was terrific seeing so many local businesses working to deliver the project.
“With local contractor Perkins Builders delivering the main build from designs by Bunbury-based MCG Architects, plus the involvement of 46 local contractors and suppliers, the new centre will be a showcase of local business capability,” she said.
On completion, visitors will be able to enjoy a new interpretive centre with modern exhibits including 13 aquariums, as well as a new café, educational facilities, public change rooms, and improved beach access.
Close encounters with wild dolphins, including through swim tours and the beach interaction zone, will continue to be offered with swim tours starting in November.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre is being redeveloped as part of stage one of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront, one of four projects currently being progressed under the guidance of the State Government’s Bunbury Development Committee.
