The Nanaimo Deep Discovery Association (NDDA) has showcased plans for a new CA$40m (US$30.6m, €28.5m, £24.5m) attraction in British Columbia, Canada, designed to connect people with the ocean environment and deep-sea technology.

The facility, according to the NDDA, would be a unique, educational, ocean experience attracting visitors with a range of displays and activities, some static, some “virtual”, some “interactive”, and some “living”.

NDDA president Lorne Hildebrand is behind the plans – showing an expansive atrium at the heart of a building surrounded by water – with the association presenting its preliminary concepts to the Nanaimo council chambers this week.

If approved, the centre would use existing resources such as local fisheries experts and Ocean Networks Canada to create a product celebrating the oceans in the creation of a museum, attraction and education centre. Financial backing is still being sought, with corporate, federal and provincial funding all to be acquired. The NDDA will begin a capital fund campaign raising funds once support in principle has been provided from Nanaimo City Council.

If funding can be raised, the development would take four years to build, with a waterfront location in easy walking distance of popular city amenities such as the cruise ship terminal, casino and conference centre.