Plans for £600m aquarium collapse after planning permission on project expires
by Tom Anstey | 01 Oct 2014
The development would have included an Eden project-style biodome
Plans for a £600m (US$972m, €771.4m) aquarium in Bedfordshire, UK, have fallen through after planning permission for the project expired despite millions of pounds worth of public investment.
The National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats (Nirah) initially gained approval to be built in Stewartby in 2007 and the collapse of the plans has left the Bedford Borough and Central Beds councils owed at least £1.6m (US$2.6m, €2m), with the government owed more than £3.5m (US$5.6m, €4.5m) by the developers.
The aquarium was originally presented as a scientific research centre and visitor attraction, and was supposed to be built by the end of 2012 but lack of investment meant work on the project hasn’t been able to proceed as planned.
The government originally loaned the aquarium £2m, but due to interest its at the figure standing at £3.5m.
The government warned in March that it wanted to see "evidence of progress" on the giant aquarium project, with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills calling the situation "not sustainable".
The government and councils, are currently seeking to recover the debt, much of which is secured against the value of the land.
Nirah is yet to comment.
24 Oct 2007
Nirah project receives planning permission
06 Jun 2007
Nirah appoints company secretary and general counsel
09 May 2007
Nirah appoints Arsenal MD as chair
01 Dec 2006
Nirah submits £300m plans to county council
18 Oct 2006
Nirah project receives £200,000 lifeline
Plans for a £600m (US$972m, €771.4m) aquarium in Bedfordshire, UK, have fallen through after planning permission for the project expired despite millions of pounds worth of public investment. The National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats (Nirah) initially gained approval to be built in Stewartby in 2007 and the collapse of the plans has left the Bedford Borough and Central Beds councils owed at least £1.6m (US$2.6m, €2m), with the
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