A visionary "concept plan" to upgrade Bayworld has been unveiled.

Commissioned by the metro, the R200-million plan includes an environmentally enhanced oceanarium with water spouts and artificial reefs and a unique three-way underwater viewing facility for penguins and seals as well as dolphins.

Even more dramatically, a footbridge across Beach Road is envisaged, linking up with a striking new restaurant, recreated in the style of the Octagon, which was demolished in the 1930s.

Adding sizzle to style, a new shark pool is proposed and patrons will be able to watch these giants of the deep through an underwater viewing facility incorporated into the restaurant.

Metro councillor for recreation and culture Charmaine Williams said the plan had been initiated by Mayor Nceba Faku, but emphasised it was still "very much in the conceptual phase".

It has not yet been presented to the council and commitment must still be obtained from the provincial economic development and growth unit, she stressed.

A full-scale feasibility study also has not yet been undertaken.

However, a project team is due to present the plan to the province next week and the preliminary business and environmental findings of the planners is that it is all "do-able" - providing the finance can be found.

An indication of the metro's enthusiasm for the project is that it has already budgeted some R200,000 for the planners, an architectural and quantity surveying team with representation from three different firms.

Mrs Williams said the aim was to enhance the economic potential and attractiveness of the facility and capitalise on its present strengths.

The dilapidated tropical house, which has been closed, will be transformed into an environmental science centre with an emphasis on hands-on "experiential" inter-reaction between the visitors and the displays.

A hotel and wellness centre will be built overlooking the oceanarium in the existing car park providing not only accommodation and health facilities but also expanding parking space in two basement levels. It will act as a buffer for the noise which until now has been a problem from the Brooke's Pavilion pubs, and will not cast a shadow across the oceanarium, according to the planners.

The snake park will be reduced in size, but apparently this is in line with the declining appeal of this attraction.

The Wildlife and Environment Society?s honorary status in the complex will remain intact, but a further line of curio shops will be established along Bayworld?s existing beachfront perimeter wall, facing onto Beach Road.

"Following the agreement with Bayworld director, Sylvia van Zyl, what are non-negotiables are the excellent existing community outreach, education and environment aspects of the complex," the councillor said.

A model of the plan is available for viewing by the public at the Epsac Gallery in Central and lead architect Tim Hewitt-Coleman, of NOH, project manager Thembi Matunda, of BTKM and architect Lindy Bekker, of BNM, met The Herald there to discuss the plan further.

Hewitt-Coleman said the proposal was that the cost of the development would be split.

"We estimate the state would need to fund about R200-million for the public entities and that private enterprise could be brought in to build the hotel. The restaurant and shops could be split in terms of funding."

An envisaged pier will extend out from the "New Octagon" and a key study that will still have to be done is to ascertain if this is environmentally acceptable, he noted.

It is planned that another pool will be established alongside the new shark facility, displaying some of the natural eco-systems of Algoa Bay.

An attractive pagoda-style roof is planned for the north-east section of the oceanarium, to shelter visitors watching the dolphin shows in bad weather, and another restaurant could be built at the top of the stand, with a panoramic view of the bay.

Eastern Cape Herald