Busselton Jetty Village and Marine Discovery Centre
In 2022 Gresley Abas was engaged by Busselton Jetty Inc. to develop the design and document new buildings and facilities for the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre (AUDC) on the Busselton Jetty. Gresley Abas and Subcon initially developed the concept design by BACA Architects (UK) for construction, including the iconic 'Whale' building; however, significant cost increases caused by the global covid pandemic halted progress. It was decided to pause the 'Whale' portion and continue the design and development of the facilities located on the main Busselton Jetty. Busselton Jetty Inc. is exploring additional funding sources and crowdfunding to complete the AUDC.
Developing BACA Architects' concept design, the new Busselton Jetty Village evokes sea creatures and waves. While reflecting the roof forms of the iconic Busselton Jetty Interpretive Centre on the shoreline, the new pitched roofs undulate at the edges, sweeping over the village on the jetty like a manta ray. The new building contains:
A new exhibition space.
Public changeroom facilities.
A cafe/kitchen with indoor and outdoor terrace dining facilities with uninterrupted views of Geographe Bay.
The existing underwater observatory.
Construction will commence in 2023.
