The National institute for research into aquatic habitats (NIRAH) is a proposed fresh water aquarium in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, England, UK.
The bio-domed research complex and aquarium, would be built in one of the disused clay extraction pits of the former Marston Vale brickfield. It is the brainchild of an international team of biologists and conservationists.
The project has been designed by Nicholas Grimshaw, who was responsible for the Eden Project in Cornwall.
NIRAH would be stocked with tropical trees and plants and populated by thousands of species of freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles.[1] [2]
The project has had up to £2 million of public money from the East of England Development Agency & has requested further funds from Bedfordshire County Council. The amount of public money used on a private project has been criticised by a Bedfordshire County Council member.[3]
As of 2011 the project is in doubt due to the credit crunch; it hasn't put out a press release since May 2007.
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