Mayor Vlahusic meets with consultants and mayor of Monterey to discuss the construction of a mega aquarium
Vice President of ConsultEcon from Boston Robert E. Brais and the former mayor of Monterey California Fred Meurer are currently in Dubrovnik to help the city officials come up with a project and feasibility study for the future large aquarium which will be located in Gruž harbor, reports Poslovni Plus on January 26, 2016.
City of Monterey is the home of one of the world’s best aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium built in 1984 with more than 2 million visitors a year: “We were expecting 500 000 visitors in the first year and had 2,4 million” mayor Meurer said. Aquarium, which serves which is not only entertaining but also serves a scientific purpose, is now one of the main economic elements in the region.
“Our aquarium is probably one of the best things to happen to our city. History of Dubrovnik is closely connected to the sea so it would be a pity not to tell that story” Meurer added.
Consultant Robert E. Brais helped develop some of the most famous aquariums in the world, including t one in Lisbon which was built in 1998: “Aquariums are a great asset to the community, they entice the economy but also help educate future generations on the importance of preserving our seas and coasts. Dubrovnik definitely has the potential to create an aquarium which would showcase the beauty and diversity of this part of the Mediterranean. We are now in the very early stage of this project and we need the cooperation of all factors both on local and State level in order to complete it” Brais commented.
Andro Vlahušić, mayor of Dubrovnik stated that nothing will ever compare to Stradun, the old city, Dubrovnik walls and its entire cultural and historic heritage but Dubrovnik needs an aquarium as a new tourist attraction, especially in Gruž which will become the urban centre of the city with its future passenger terminal: “In 2020 Dubrovnik can expect 5 million overnights and 2 million passengers from cruisers, so there is always room for new features and services” Vlahušić commented.
During the meeting, participants discussed the possibility to divide the aquarium into two themed units – one would be dedicated Croatian waters and the other to the Adriatic and Mediterranean. It is estimated that the total cost of the aquarium will be approximately 250 million kunas and that is why EU funds will be crucial for its construction.
