The Port of Barcelona has approved the remodeling and expansion of L'Aquàrium for more than 13 million euros. The renovation will be carried out by the Aspro Ocio group, whose concession has been extended by 12 years, meaning it will manage the facilities until 2039. The Barcelona Aquarium houses 11,000 different species and is considered the world's first aquarium with a Mediterranean theme.
According to the Port, the project presented by Aspro Ocio "is innovative" and incorporates significant improvements in environmental sustainability, as well as a commitment to increasing the use of digital media and immersive experiences in animal education and planet care awareness efforts. "With this reform, the Barcelona Aquarium aims to provide a unique and rewarding experience for visitors to foster knowledge and environmental reflection, through visual and technological spectacularity," highlights the Port Authority of Barcelona.
The reform will entail "important changes" to the building, opening it to the outside and visually integrating it with the port and the city, achieving greater transparency in the exterior facades and increasing panoramic views of Barcelona. The forecast is to complete the remodeling of the Aquarium before the start of the 37th edition of the America's Cup, in August 2024.
Another objective of the project is the relaunch of the marine ecosystem research, conservation, and dissemination center, both locally and internationally; the strengthening of its position as a Mediterranean marine conservation center and the promotion of social awareness for the preservation of seas and oceans against climate change.
The new Aquarium will incorporate a photovoltaic plant that will generate 12.22% of the energy it consumes and will replace 3,200 light points to become the first aquarium in Europe to have LEDs in all its lighting, which represents a significant improvement for the animals and visual quality for visitors, as well as important energy and CO₂ emissions savings.
It is the second time that the Port of Barcelona authorizes Aspro Ocio to improve the aquarium, inaugurated in 1995. The initial concession was due to end in 2027, but in April 2020, a 12-year extension was approved in exchange for the modernization plan of the facilities. However, this project could not be carried out at that time due to the pandemic, which forced the Aquàrium to close its doors. Now, the project has been updated and is expected to become a reality in the coming months.