UK charity tapped for $150 million overhaul of Alcoa’s former Anglesea coal mine site

A UK “educational and environmental charity” has been chosen to transform a former Anglesea coal mine site into a $150 million “eco-tourism” attraction to teach visitors about fire, water, earth and air. Here’s what will be on offer.

A $150 million eco-tourism “attraction” will be built at the site of Alcoa’s former coal mine in Anglesea, under fresh plans to draw thousands of visitors to the area.

A UK “educational and environmental charity” has been called in to help overhaul the 143ha site, with plans for an artificial lake and tourism centre to teach visitors about the environment and climate change.

The Eden Project has previously transformed a decommissioned china clay quarry in Cornwall into the largest “rainforest in captivity” built under domes.

It has drawn more than 20 million tourists since it opened in 2001.

While the domes would not be replicated in Anglesea, the plans include “a series of buildings nestled into the landscape”.

Impression of proposed $150 million redevelopment of Alcoa's former mine site in Anglesea

The Eden Project domes in Cornwall, England.

Eden Project International’s David Harland said the attraction would focus on the “indigenous concept of fire, water, air and earth”.

It would also include retail and catering areas.

Accommodation options have not been factored into the proposed design, but the door remains open for on-site stays to be included.

“This is about creating a great day out for people,” Mr Harland said.

“A lot of people drive down there but zoom straight past Anglesea because it is the start of the Great Ocean Rd.”

The attraction is tipped to draw thousands of new visitors to Anglesea, and create at least 300 full-time jobs.

The redevelopment of the former mine site has been a long-running issue, with the original plan to return 100 per cent of natives species to the site abandoned in 2017.

The site of the former Alcoa coal mine in Anglesea.

Alcoa hired military-trained contractors to demolish the former power station. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Proposals since floated have included an outdoor adventure park, art museum, microbrewery and resort, prompting concern from some residents and community groups.

But Mr Harland said The Eden Project’s plans would only be built with community support, and likely be bankrolled by “social investment”.

“If the local people say us ‘we really, really don’t want this’, well why would we come?” Mr Harland said.

“This is not something that we want to force on people.”

Alcoa’s John Osborne said the redevelopment would create “landmark eco-tourism facilities and experiences”.

“This exciting concept brings to life the guiding principles Alcoa developed in partnership with the Anglesea community in 2016 to shape the transformation of the former mine site,” he said.

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“It presents an outstanding opportunity to showcase the site’s unique natural values while making a significant and lasting contribution to the region for generations to come.”

The site would need to be rezoned and planning approvals granted before construction, expected to take 18-24 months, could begin.

The Eden Project said it hoped the attraction would open in late 2023 or early 2024.

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@moniquehore