Aquarium plan could be world's largest (From Free Press Series)

Aquarium plan could be world's largest

DEVELOPERS behind a £900 million village in Monmouthshire want to create a science park which could be one of the world's largest fresh water aquariums.

The Free Press exclusively last week that P&O Developments want to build shops, offices and houses on land next to the M4 and the second Severn Crossing.

The development would also include a £200 million marine ecology centre, called the NIRAH Project, which could become a top international science centre and visitor destination.

But the group behind the exciting Eden style development warn they are in active discussions with three or four other possible locations around the UK for their project.

The scheme will hit a major hurdle in September when an inquiry is launched into Monmouthshire council's Unitary Development Plan.

P&O Developments has submitted an objection to the UDP and will call for it to be amended to include the scheme.

NIRAH say they are looking for a 100 acre site to house a research and visitors centre which is expected to become one of the UK's top five attractions and draw up to two-million people per annum.

Paul McManus, spokesperson for the group said: "The NIRAH Project will be a world first in terms of size, scope and ambition. The concept, originating in 1997, is an international initiative of 64 scientists (known as the NIRAH Foundation) from the UK, USA, China, Russia, Brazil, Germany and many other countries worldwide.

"Its objective is to establish a detailed and co-ordinated approach dedicated to the preservation of freshwater habitats worldwide: to halt the decline of our shared biodiversity and safeguard, in terms of health and number, the fish, amphibians and reptile species that inhabit freshwater - habitats and species essential for human survival."

To accommodate the unique species required for research and conservation, appropriate natural environments will need to be developed, such as a river and lake, rainforest, mangrove forest and wetland.

External lakes and environments will also be created for those species able to tolerate the British climate.

NIRAH, a public and private initiative, is currently engaged in a number of confidential UK site discussions.

The group say further announcement on its position will be made in due course.