- British architects Baca appointed, following a design competition.
- Project expected to cost $30M.
- Aims to be the world's largest natural marine observatory.
Busselton, in Western Australia’s south-west, is to get a revamp with new jetty attraction.
The existing tourist centre at the end of the jetty is too small, Busselton Jetty Chairman Barry House said:
“… at its peak times, people are turned away from the current Observatory because you can only fit 44 people in each hour”
Aiming to boost local tourist trade, Busselton Jetty managers expressed the desire “for more than 200,000 new visitors in 2023 bringing the total to more than 900,000.”
The seed was planted back in 2017 with feasibility studies and market research, followed by an international design competition. Public consultations took place in December last year.
Not just an observatory, the destination is to include a number of other experiences and options:
“This is as authentic as it gets, because people are in the tank and the fish are looking in. By adding underwater dining, underwater sculptures, marine art and other features, this project will enhance Busselton Jetty’s 155-year-old experience.”
Mr House also stated that the revamped tourist attraction would return in the order of $200M in economic benefit to Western Australia.
