The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Experts look at business case for £10million dolphin centre
Backers say marine education project would lure more visitors
Plans for a £10million dolphin watching centre overlooking Aberdeen Harbour have reached a “pivotal” stage as backers await the outcome of a business plan evaluation.
Marine scientist Dr Fiona McIntyre, who is leading the initiative, expects to make a decision on whether to press ahead to seek funding for the proposed visitor and marine education centre at Greyhope Bay within the next six months.
Initially envisaged as a visitor centre with a viewing platform in Torry where dolphins and other marine wildlife are regularly spotted, the project scope has grown to include a restaurant, theatre and interactive exhibit space as well as becoming a hub for marine research.
“I first had the idea for the Greyhope Bay centre around three years ago whenIwasvisiting the area and realised its potential as a destination particularly as, at the time, I couldn’t understandwhymanypeople had no idea about it,” Ms McIntyre said.
“I’ve worked very closely with Gokay Deveci, an architect with the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, and we spent about a year developing the concept, which has evolved in to a cultural hub, with a restaurant, theatre and interactive exhibit space, and will provideanoutstanding leisure facility advancing marine science education.”
Ms McIntyre and her board of directors have appointed an independent consultancy which is validating the business case andlooking at the potential social and economic benefits of the project.
“The next six months are pivotal for the Greyhope Bay project and will ultimately decide whether or not we proceed,” she said.
Ms McIntyre also recently completed the Elevator Accelerator programme, which aims to fast-track businesses to the next level.
The project, which is being hailed as a potential boost for tourism in the city, has been enthusiastically supported by Steve Harris, chief executive of tourism body VisitAberdeenshire.
MrHarris, who is also on the board of Greyhope Bay, estimates the project will give the region access to Scotland’s lucrative marine tourism market, estimated to be worth £360million per year.
He said: “Dolphins have long been associated with the north-east, and Torry is undoubtedly one of the best places in the country to see them in their natural habitat.
“It is estimated that marine tourism was worth £360million to the Scottish economy in 2015, and its continued popularity is certainly seen in Aberdeen. Earlier this year, a survey of dolphin spotters revealed that a quarter had specifically visited the region to see our aquatic neighbours. Those that visit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to see the dolphins on our beautiful coastline will have the opportunity to uncover all that the region has to offer, andtheGreyhopeBay centre promises to be a fantastic starting point for their journey of discovery.”