|
|
World Class Aquarium for Bristol’s Harbourside
Explore-At-Bristol and its partners the South West of
England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) and Bristol City
Council can today announce plans for a new, world-class aquarium in the
former Wildwalk and IMAX® building.
The £4 million fit out by Blue Reef Leisure Ltd will showcase both native
and tropical marine and freshwater creatures in naturally themed habitats
designed to inspire deeper understanding of the natural world.
Work is due to begin on the project in July 2008 with planned opening in
summer 2009. Blue Reef will also operate the IMAX® theatre.
Goéry Delacôte, Chief Executive of Explore-At-Bristol says, ‘This brand
new attraction is the perfect addition to Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside.
Its conservation message complements Explore-At-Bristol’s science remit
and we anticipate a long and successful relationship which will help both
Explore and the new aquarium move from strength to strength.’
Blue Reef’s Ian Cunningham comments, ‘We are delighted to be involved in
creating what will be a world class aquarium in a fantastic location and
we are very much looking forward to working with the At-Bristol team.’
Blue Reef has a proven track record of operating highly successful visitor
attractions with aquariums in Portsmouth, Tynemouth, Newquay, Cornwall and
Hastings. It was selected following a bidding process, funded by the South
West RDA, to find a new tenant for the building.
Ian Knight, Area Director at the South West RDA said, ‘As one of the
original funders of At-Bristol, we have been working very closely with the
Explore team to find a suitable new use for the Wildwalk building, in
order to unlock the area’s business potential. It was very important to
find an occupier that would add to the creative and cultural offer at
Harbourside at the same time as complementing Explore, and Blue Reef
certainly fits the bill.
‘The aquarium will combine displays of marine life with a broad
educational and conservation programme, further underlining Bristol’s
status as one of the UK’s ‘Science Cities’, which recognises its strengths
and achievements in world-class scientific innovation, research and
development.’
Explore-At-Bristol will work closely with Blue Reef to help to rejuvenate
the Harbourside creating a cultural hub for both residents and visitors to
the city.
Stephen Wray, Director of Culture and Leisure Services at Bristol City
Council, welcomed the announcement that the aquarium project had been
chosen as the new use for this landmark building.
He said: ‘This will provide a further boost for the city and enhance the
Harbourside's growing national and international reputation as a thriving
cultural hub and visitor destination.
‘Existing attractions on the Harbourside, including Explore-At-Bristol
itself; the ss Great Britain; Watershed media centre and The Arnolfini,
are all proving popular and successful - and with the council's new £24.5
million Museum of Bristol on the way, we are entering an exciting new era
for this wonderful part of the city centre.
‘The council and its partners in Destination Bristol look forward to
working with Blue Reef to promote the Harbourside and the city as a whole
as a great place to visit.’
Peter McIlwraith, At-Bristol Chairman adds, ‘Our friends and partners have
stood by us throughout this lengthy negotiation process and we are very
grateful to SWERDA, Bristol City Council and the Big Lottery fund for
their continued support and enthusiasm.’
Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund Peter Wanless said: "As a local
boy who used to love his days out in Bristol, I am particularly delighted
that the Lottery's initial investment of £47 million in the At-Bristol
complex will enhance the City's educational and cultural offer in new and
exciting ways."
For press enquiries:
Sonja Taylor-Jones
0117 9157152 /
07956 503 478 /
press@at-bristol.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
-
At-Bristol is a leading science centre in the UK and a
major player in the worldwide science centre movement. It aims to be a
world-class science centre that makes distinctive, valued and recognised
contributions to informal science learning and public engagement with
science across Europe. A registered charity, At-Bristol has hosted more
than three million visits and continually strives towards making science
accessible to all.
-
Blue Reef Leisure has a proven track record of operating
highly successful visitor attractions. They run four other aquariums in
the UK with sites in Portsmouth, Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, Newquay,
Cornwall and Hastings in East Sussex; collectively attracting over 600,000
visitors a year. Their award-winning attractions combine the latest in
aquarium technology with naturally themed habitats and staff interaction
to create fun, informative and memorable experiences for visitors of all
ages.
-
The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It works in
partnership with public, private and social purpose organisations to drive
up the region's productivity by giving people the skills they need,
encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, regenerating places, and
promoting the strengths of the region. For more information see
www.southwestrda.org.uk
|
