Simon Jones
Published Jan 12, 2016 at 8:00 am (Updated Jan 12, 2016 at 2:07 am)

Construction work on a new entrance area to the aquarium is expected to get under way this week.

The project is the latest phase in a series of improvements to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) that has involved a new roof and aquatic exhibits installed in the main building.

It has been made possible thanks to an anonymous donor as well as a public-private partnership between the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS).

Ian Walker, BAMZ curator, told The Royal Gazette the purpose of the project was to provide a more welcoming entrance to the aquarium. “We are basically opening up the whole area around the present entrance to increase the size of the gift shop and give the area a more welcoming feel,” Dr Walker added.

“Not a lot will change on the outside apart for some improvements to the cedar balustrades. The doors accessing the aquarium hall will remain but the space before you walk into the hall will be opened up as we look to increase the merchandise on sale in the shop.

“Planning permission was granted at the end of last year and we hope to have the building permits this week to start work.”

The project is expected to be finished by May for the start of the new summer season.

In the meantime, the gift shop will be moved into the Local Tails exhibit room, while visitors will access the aquarium through the side gate at the front of the main building.

Dr Walker added: “This renovation is being done by the BZS in conjunction with BAMZ to help improve the offerings at BAMZ and the look and feel of the entrance to the facility.

“We hope that the work will be finished by the beginning of the summer season, and we plan to conduct an official opening of the new entrance area and the renovated aquarium hall at that time.

“This latest bit of work is a great example of how a public-private partnership can benefit everyone.”