Cover Story
testing was done on the pipe work,
the area around the pipes was also
reinforced and covered, and more reinforcement added on top, the pouring
began. It took 11 hours and 23 cement
trucks to pour the base of the new exhibit. This had to be done in one go,
otherwise the cement would settle in
layers. Thereafter, the base was left underwater for five days.
Additional to the new indoor exhibit,
the roof area will house an aquarist
room, as well as the new dive train-ing
pool and centre
The professional team involved in
the Two Oceans Aquarium expansion
project, include Project Manage-ment
Company Mitchell DuPlessis and
Associates, who have over 30 years’ experience in their fields of expertise and
enjoy an extensive knowledge of the V&A
Waterfront, having for many years managed the wide variety of high profile V&A
Waterfront projects and developments,
and MLH Architects & Planners.
“Building a big new exhibit is the next
best thing to building a new aquarium.
It offers fantastic learning op-portunities
for staff. Our new exhibit will allow us to
showcase beautiful marine animals and
to further our education and awareness
about the oceans. I am very proud to be
project managing this expansion on behalf of the Aquarium,” said Mike de Maine,
the Aquarium’s Technical Manager.
The Aquarium expansion project is one
of several development projects underway at the V&A Waterfront. According to
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront
and Chairperson of the Aquarium’s
Board of Trus-tees, “The official start of
this project brings with it much anticipation for the improved offering that will
be unveiled. This project falls in line with
our continued development with the
view to improvement, reinvention and
innovation, raising the bar and making
the visitor experience that much better”.
Professional Team
Mitchell Du Plessis & Associates
MLH Architects & Planners
january 2015 — PM Africa Magazine
17