CROCOSEUM A SNAPPY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

News Source: Master Builders Awards, page 4 & 5, Sunday 18th July, 2004
By: Gordan Clark and Kate Jons

Tiptoeing past tigers and constructing among crocodiles – crikey!

Given these unusual challenges it’s not wonder that Evans Harch has been recognized with an award.

Not bad bravery though, although the company probably deserve one, instead of their work on Australia Zoo’s Animal Planet Crocoseum has landed them the prestigious Queensland Master Builders Association’s Project of the Year award.

They were also the recipients of the award for Tourism and Hospitality Facilities ($2 million to $10 million). This new facility is a big boost to both the Zoo and the Sunshine Coast economy and is bound to draw in tourists from around the globe eager to marvel at the big predators on display.

Evans Harch got the change to get a good look at the intimidating creations close up while they were building the stadium.

Australia Zoo’s construction manager Stuart Gudgeon was full of praise for the brave builders.

“Evans Harch was great to work with. The team were very easygoing and extremily understanding of the difficulties that arise when building in a working Zoo. “It’s quite difficult to work around the animals without disturbing them everyday, in fact, it’s a whole new ball game. “We’re extremely happy with the finished product. “It’s been filled to capacity on a couple of occasions now and no matter where people sat, they all had a great view. “It’s amazing. When the crocs come out there is nothing like it in the world,” he said.

The Animal Planet Crocoseum incorporates a large gift emporium, two food kiosks, toilets and offices in addition to the stadium itself.

The big screen, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the action, is the first of its kind, and according to Mr Gudeon, is the forefunner for those to be used at this year’s Olympic Games in Athens. This design allows almost 5000 visitors to have a great view of the action complemented by that huge screen, which gives the stars their “close-up”. At the rear of the stadium there is housing for the crocodiles. The seven enclosures all contain a large male crocodile and the occasional visiting girlfriend. A system of canals allows the crocodiles to make their way in and out of the performance area. There are also tiger holding facilities, which will be used to keep the big cats in before they meet their fans in shows planned for later in the year. On the other side of the Crocoseum there is bird housing for the free flight show.

The Crocoseum surprised the judges with how well planned and extensive it is. They described it as a “mini Gabba” and said it puts many major sporting facilities to shame.

Among the design aspects that pleased the judges were the concourse and they way in which the banked seating on the East, South and West sides linked to the level of the food court, which they said gave good interaction between the new and existing building.

“This facility is really set up for the patrons – the seating and security are well thought out. The fencing makes sure that kids can’t climb over and get themselves into trouble. “It’s well planned, fresh, and the toilet facilities are modern, excellent and ample in number,” the judges said. “The facilities work well and give visitors a fantastic way to see the wildlife. This is a really good addition to the Sunshine Coast.”


Click here to read more about the Crocoseum