The £5m revamp of the London Aquarium has been completed and the attraction rebranded under Merlin Entertainments Group's SEA LIFE banner, which acquired the aquarium in the UK capital in May 2008.

Following a six-month transformation, the attraction situated by the River Thames features an underwater glass tunnel walkway and offers visitors the opportunity to feed stingrays, to watch diving displays and interact with touch pools and discovery zones. Spread over three floors and 14 themed zones, the aquarium now holds 500 different species. General manager, Toby Forer, said: "The result is an immersive and exciting marine journey with coral caves, a Pacific shipwreck and a dive school. Our ultimate aim is to tell a serious eco story in an entertaining way and we believe we have done this through a blend of visual spectacle, interactivity and access to aquatic experts."

The aquarium also provides the UK with one of the leading centre for marine management, conservation, preservation and education. David Sharpe, divisional director of London Midway Attractions, which incorporates the London Aquarium, said: “In the current gloomy economic climate, our investment in the London Aquarium reflects the increased visitor numbers we have achieved since May and our absolute belief in the attraction’s potential."