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New visitor centre set to open at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade

New visitor centre set to open at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade
June 27, 2019

Phillip Island’s popular Penguin Parade, one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions, is now just four weeks away from opening the doors to its exciting new visitor centre.

Looking forward to the opening, Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Chief Executive, Catherine Basterfield stated “we feel both proud and honoured to have developed this modern, environmentally sustainable visitor centre, which will replace the existing ageing facilities and provide a world class asset that better meets visitor expectations.

“One of the primary drivers of this development has always been the benefit the new centre will provide to Phillip Island’s colony of Little penguins, with the restoration of over 6 hectares of prime penguin habitat on the site of the old building and coach parking areas. It is exciting to know that up to 1400 breeding penguins will soon be able to reclaim this area as their own, and we will be able to continue our world-leading penguin research.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of new facilities inside the new centre, including a host of fun and interactive interpretive activities, a state-of-the-art theatre, diverse dining experiences catering to all tastes and budgets, plus modern retail spaces.

The centre’s environmental credentials are equally impressive, with an array of 666 solar panels on the expansive roof, a water filtration system to recycle rainwater for non-potable use, increased roof and floor insulation, and double-glazed windows. Low carbon building materials have been used throughout the centre’s construction, including sustainably sourced Victorian Ash hardwood for the impressive laminated beams.

Its spectacular architectural design has already been acknowledged internationally, having just been announced as a winner at the 2019 International Architecture Awards, out of a field of over 380 submissions from 41 countries.

Basterfield  added “this is the most significant infrastructure project in the Nature Parks’ history. We are thrilled that this important development has had the added impact of boosting jobs and tourism in regional Victoria not only during construction, but also once operations have commenced.”

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre development was made possible through $48.2 million funding from the Victorian Government, with an additional $10 million contributed by Phillip Island Nature Parks.

The new Penguin Parade Visitor Centre will open on Thursday 25th July.

Image: The new visitor centre at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade - with the old building in background.

Related Articles

30th January 2018 - Research reveals how humans impact on wildlife movement

22nd September 2017 - Fox-free Phillip Island to play key role in bandicoot conservation

12th July 2017 - New partner brings food and beverage expertise to Phillip Island Nature Parks

30th March 2017 - New Chief Executive named for Phillip Island Nature Parks

13th September 2016 - Phillip Island Nature Parks contribute $498 million to Victoria’s economy

29th July 2016 - Record year for Phillip Island’s penguins

21st April 2016 - Penguin Parade to benefit from $58 million investment in new visitor facilities

24th March 2016 - Phillip Island Nature Parks welcomes visiting Rangers

1st January 2016 - Antarctic Journey experience opens on Phillip Island

28th April 2014 - Phillip Island Nature Parks welcomes new ambassador for penguins

23rd March 2014 - Major tourism expansion announced for Victoria’s Phillip Island


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