Renovation Report: Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

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CONCORD – Construction began last week on the 36,000-square-foot aquarium, and the attraction is expected to open in the spring. Charlotte-based Rodgers Builders is the general contractor on the project.

But if transforming a miniature speedway into an aquatic habitat sounds challenging, it is, and a lot of work remains before patrons can experience an undersea adventure at a suburban shopping mall.

Jack Stevenson, spokesman for Sea Life, said nothing from the old attraction will remain. Rodgers is stripping everything out, down to the bare bones of the structure.

After that, “underground excavation for the life support system is installed,” Stevenson said. “Excavation continues for the ocean tank, concrete is re-poured and the interior walls are formed. At this point, tanks begin to arrive and are installed. After tanks are installed, any unfinished walls are enclosed. Once completed, theming begins, and paint, graphics, art and rock work are (started). The tanks are filled with water and a hydro test is performed. Finally, the wildlife begins to arrive.”

In order to get the animals into the aquarium, Stevenson said, specialized ground transportation is used to deliver them in individual carriers to ensure the comfort and safety of all animals. Fish arrival begins in late January, he said.

Sea Life, which operates 36 aquariums in the U.S. and in Europe, chose Concord Mills, Stevenson said, because it is “North Carolina’s No. 1 tourist destination.” Visit N.C., the state’s tourism arm, calls Concord Mills one of the most popular tourist destinations.

While Sea Life calls itself the world’s largest aquarium brand, it remains to be seen if NASCAR Country will take to the new attraction like a fish to water or if the aquarium will flounder in Concord.

Project description: Merlin Entertainment is converting the interior portion of the former NASCAR Speedpark into an aquarium.

Address: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord

Square feet under renovation: 36,000

General contractor: Rodgers Builders

Construction began: Last week

Expected completion: Spring 2014