The Observatory, expected to open its doors by 2023, will be the largest in the world.
For lovers of marine life and all things sea-related, there is exciting news as the design of the Australian Underwater discovery centre has been unveiled. The public was encouraged to vote for a design and the whale-shaped design, alongside all Australians, was the clear winner.
Set to be located just two hours from Perth, the building will be partially submerged in the sea with construction most likely to begin sometime this year. The unique shape will be designed by Baca Architects and will be located at heritage-listed Busselton Jetty. The Busselton Jetty is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern hemisphere and the museum will be located about 2km out at sea. (Featured image: Caroline Hernandez.)
There have been rumblings about the $30 million centre since late 2017, with the final design for the site only recently released. Christened “the Cetacean”, the overall design will closely resemble the mammal with the openings of the centre acting as eyes of the whale.
Additionally, the centre will also have an underwater trail and dining giving visitors a thrilling experience of life underwater. Busselton Jetty Chair Jenny Sheehan said, “This project will include enhancing the artificial reef at the end of the Jetty, increasing the marine life and ultimately ensuring the sustainability of the Busselton Jetty for another 100 years, meaning it can remain a community recreation facility and WA’s major tourist attraction simultaneously.”
The project is likely to commence soon with estimated completion by 2022 or 2023. Watch this space for updates.