Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan visited Bunbury last week to get her first look at the new-and-improved Dolphin Discovery Centre.
She also met with Dolphin Discovery Centre general manager David Kerr and MCG Architects director Michel Greenhalgh, both of whom provided details about the project’s development.
“This is a magnificent object here. It really is going to put Bunbury on the map in terms of tourism,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The architecture of this building really pays great homage to the dolphins and people of this area.
“It’s been a great project and one that we’re very proud of.”
Funded with a $12.3 million State Government contract and a $600,431 Lotterywest grant, the centre’s construction has reached its final stages.
The new-look facility will include 13 aquariums, a cafe, function areas, kitchen facilities, and a reception area.
“This is the culmination of over 10 years of planning and thinking. It started out with David Kerr and Robyn Fenech [Bunbury Development Committee chair] putting together a business case that said: ‘We need a year-round attraction in Bunbury’,” Bunbury MLA Don Punch said.
“We needed to build something that was going to bring Bunbury into the 21st century, from a tourism experience point of view.
“Everyone involved has produced a building that we can absolutely be proud of. It will drive local tourism and international tourism.”
More than 200 local jobs were developed during the centre’s construction, with 46 local contractors and suppliers involved.
The new centre features 2,200m2 of concrete on the ground floor and first floor, 1,465m2 of roofing, and 15 kilometres of electric cabling.
Perkins Builders project manager Jaco Bosman said the centre would bring together community members and visitors.
“This is going to be a great tourist attraction. People will also come to enjoy the scenery,” he said.
A soft re-opening will be held on December 22, ahead of the centre’s official re-opening event on Friday, February 15.
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