Plans are in motion for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to close early next year for a $65 million renovation and expansion.
The project, announced May 8, is to include the largest shark habitat in the state, expanding the facility to the largest aquarium in North Carolina, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources said Wednesday. The renovations, per the May press release, were expected to begin in the fall.
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“This project is much more than updating our facilities — it’s about creating an exciting, one-of-a-kind visitor experience,” N.C. Aquariums Director Hap Fatzinger said. “We are also excited to share that the Aquarium and Aquarium Society are creating an exciting new experience that will open in Independence Mall in Wilmington early next year.”
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which oversees the state’s aquariums, will announce the date the facility will close to the public.
“We look forward to beginning a transformative renovation and expansion project that will further the aquarium’s mission of conservation, education, and inspiring connections to aquatic life,” said Division Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.
