Various ideas for Aquarium's future

Sunday 19 January 2020

As the official tender process opens for alternative uses for Guernsey's former Aquarium, Express readers have been suggesting various ideas for ways the site can be used.

Built into a tunnel at the base of cliffs at La Vallette, the Guernsey Aquarium itself closed in October 2019, following years of declining visitor numbers.

Despite investment by its former owner, the facility had to restrict its opening hours, before closing fully as it was not viable to stay open. 

Marita Iverson returned a number of the exhibits to the sea before locking the doors to the Aquarium behind her. 

Pictured: Marita Iverson releasing the fish who used to be in the tanks at the former Guernsey Aquarium. 

While the area around the Ladies Pool at La Vallette is going to be revamped as part of 'phase one' of the Seafront Enhancement Plan, the area at the base of the cliff path steps, including the tunnel, is not included in that remit.

A separate tender process, with its own criteria, is available for the aquarium site by emailing property@gov.gg or by calling 717306.

With that in mind, Express readers have come up with their own ideas, including a number of suggestions for using the site as a restaurant or live music venue as well as calls for it to be used as a visitor attraction, possibly incorporating displays showing local marine wildlife...

James Roberston suggested creating an under water restaurant or cafe with a glass dome on the sea floor, allowing a natural aquarium. Gatics Lorencs replied that there are already enough restaurants in the island. 

A number of other people had suggested restaurants though, while Miles Plumley gave a list of ideas including lasertag, pool, snooker, games/VR arcade, underground climbing, axe throwing, trampoline hall and underground glowing crazy golf.

Victoria Bebbington gave 'The Deep' in Hull as an example of what could be created, with a self-supporting educational resource centre and visitor attraction, including an events venue and a restaurant.

Others asked for the tunnel to be continued all the way through the cliff, and under the sea to Jersey - while others simply suggested the rear of the aquarium site be opened up for public access, offering views from the back of the cliff. 

What would you like to see at the former aquarium site? Comment below!