Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Cairns Aquarium development set to finally commence

Cairns Aquarium development set to finally commence
August 6, 2015

With the appointment of a main contractor to be announced later this month, construction of the much anticipated Cairns Aquarium is set to begin.

While work on the site of the $50 million attraction began two years ago, a series of setback related to parking issues and a colony of flying foxes on site have delayed the development.

Originally planned to open in July next year, with a detailed design and engineering phase finally completed, the aquarium and research centre gained planning and building approvals from the Cairns City Council in February.

Located in the centre of Cairns, the 7,500 metre² facility will be located in a two storey building designed by Peddle Thorp Architects and Ellik & Partners Architects.

Designed by Peddle Thorp Architects in association with Architects Ellick and Partners, the 10,000 metre² development will be home to more than 5,000 living creatures indigenous to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and surrounding Wet Tropics Rainforests.

Peddle Thorp’s design is made up of a series of ‘tectonic plates’, symbolising the movement of the earth over the centuries and subsequent creation of the Great Barrier Reef and far north of Australia’s tree-covered mountains.

When open, visitors will enter through blue glass atrium angled onto the street, while strategically-placed windows offer passers-by a glimpse into the aquarium.

Among the planned exhibitions are a two million litre Oceanarium, which will be home to Australia’s only school of scalloped hammerhead sharks. Meanwhile, ‘River Monsters’ will be an exhibit housing the freshwater Sawfish and will also be part of a dedicated research program to breed and repopulate the highly endangered species.

Other planned exhibits include exhibitions on reptiles and amphibians, insect and arachnid giants, life in the mangroves, the coral atoll, the dangers of the reef and a guided tour of the life support systems used to power the aquarium. A restaurant serving local produce and indigenous cuisine is also on the menu, complementing the first floor Quay Café.

Another much delayed Cairns attraction, the Adventure Waters waterpark, has also got underway in recent weeks.

7th July 2015 - CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT CAIRNS ADVENTURE WATERS ATTRACTION

18th June 2014 - CAIRNS AQUARIUM CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER

5th August 2013 - WORK UNDERWAY AT CAIRNS AQUARIUM


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 

Clubworx

Switch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976, and has since grown into a leading company in the waterparks industry. Today Polin is one of the world leaders in the design, production, and installation of…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

IEDM

iEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…

read more

Consultants / Design

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business