Making a Splash

St Andrews Aquarium has unveiled “the most significant development and growth plans” in its twenty-five year history, with work set to more than double the overall size of St Andrews biggest all-weather attraction.

The independent, family-owned aquarium has announced ambitious plans for a large-scale building project which will be completed in phases, and will redevelop the outdoor former seal pool area, which was destroyed by the devastating Storm Babet almost a year ago.

After the storm …

In October 2023, huge tidal swells caused irreparable damage to the existing sea wall, resulting in the emergency re-homing of the aquarium’s family of seals. The programme of building works includes essential improvements to the existing sea wall which will mitigate the impact of future storms. This element of the project is essential to protect the long-term future of the visitor attraction.

Bigger and better …

Speaking of the planned building development Managing Director John Mace comments; “The storm last October was devastating, the future of the aquarium was in question as we assessed the damage and costs of the repairs.” John adds: “As a family, we turned the disaster into an opportunity to completely change the space, and build a bigger and better area for our visitors, the full development project costs will exceed £1,000,000 in total, and we can’t wait to complete it.”

Their family of seals found new homes in other zoos since the storm, which gave them an exciting opportunity to bring several new and animals into their new space.

John says: “The work to strengthen and expand the protective sea wall – whilst very expensive – is essential, and will protect St Andrews Aquarium from future tidal swells.”

With building work set to double the overall footprint of the attraction, the Mace family have big plans for various new animal exhibits and interactive family attractions on the space. Work is currently underway on site, with the new, extended protective concrete sea wall currently under construction. Once completed, work on the first phase of new exhibits will begin immediately.

John adds: “We’ve got big plans for the exhibits and type of animals that will go into the space but we’ll reveal that in due course. Our team are excited about the developments which will bring new animals into our attraction, giving our visitors even more to see and learn about during their visits.”

Supporting St Andrews …

St Andrews Aquarium, Scotland’s only family-owned aquarium, welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy getting to know each of the 120 species of animals on display.

Those visitors are from across St Andrews, Fife and from much further afield – taking advantage of the attraction’s ‘all weather’ provision. Throughout the building phase, the existing attraction will remain unaffected and St Andrews Aquarium will continue to open from 10am, 7 days a week.