PaySmart
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreA major redevelopment of Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium looks set to proceeed following the National Capital Authority's approval of a new master plan of the site.
The redevelopment includes an expansion of the site and designs for five lodge-style huts with up to 10 rooms on an open African-style savannah.
National Zoo and Aquarium owner Richard Tindale hopes work on stage one will start by the end of the year, stated "the main bulk of the zoo is non-profitable - the plan is that the hotel will be the area that actually makes a profit so it will allow us to put more money into future developments." The first stage of the hotel will be built within a new savannah area and have between 16 and 24 rooms. It is designed to give visitors a more interactive animal experience.
Tindale added "there will be two or three lodges in the first two stages, they will be between six and 10 rooms each - it will just depend on budget as to how may of those I can do in stage one."
The Canberra Times reported that National Capital Authority's Chief Executive Gary Rake said the master plan revision was received in June, and quoted him as saying "the master plan proposes to extend the range of recreation activities on offer to encourage wider participation and visitation and add services to cater to the needs of zoo visitors.
"(The expansion) seeks to create an environment where visitors are given a broader experience of animals in a stylised habitat in a park-like atmosphere. It is intended the educational and tourist experience be enhanced by the construction of a central lodge and accommodation for overnight stays."
Tindale said the hotel design had changed slightly to meet with NCA approval, stating "they said they wanted to see more control over the building, so it's been offset - so it's not in a straight line. Some of the building will be single storey and some will be double storey."
The National Zoo and Aquarium is a family-run business that receives no Government or Commonwealth support, and relies on entry fees from the public to continue operations. The zoo also relies on a large number of volunteer recruits to aid in the management of it's grounds and the animals residing there.
29th December 2010 - BUSY CHRISTMAS FOR CANBERRA’S NATIONAL ZOO AND 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.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…
read moreJonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…
read moreCompliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions
read moreGoplay designs and manufactures specialised playground equipment for indoor play centres, hotels, food chains, clubs and resorts. If our years of experience and dedication have taught us one thing,…
read moreHadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreTechnogym is the leading company in the Wellness and Fitness field all over the world. With 2,200 employees, 14 branches in Europe, U.S., South America, Asia and Australia, Technogym exports its…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!