If you’ve got an idea for a business that could operate from the planned new $10 million Western Kangaroo Island Parks Visitor Hub on Kangaroo Island the state government wants to hear from you.

The Flinders Chase National Park visitor centre was completely destroyed in the 2020 bushfires.

It will be rebuilt as the Visitor Hub at new location, after the state government purchased the site of the former Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat.

Executive Director of National Parks and Wildlife Service Mike Williams says the new precinct will result in a world-class, facility that enhances visitor experiences on the island’s western end.

“The new $10 million hub is a key element of the rejuvenation of the tourism industry and rebuilding of visitor infrastructure essential for the economic, social, and environmental recovery of the island and its community,” he says.

“I look forward to seeing the range of potential possibilities that may be offered within and via the Western KI Parks Visitor Hub.

 “Proposals and ideas that explore the potential for further experience and service delivery in key locations across the network of KI parks are also invited, for example at Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park or Cape Willoughby.

“The Kangaroo Island tourism industry contributes around $140 million annually to the regional economy.

“In June last year the South Australian Government announced up to $52 million of works to rebuild and reimagine Kangaroo Island’s nature-based tourism economy and the Western Visitor Hub is very much in keeping with this objective.

“The new hub will allow us to create a world-class visitor experience for these western Kangaroo Island parks and supports a conservation-first approach to visitor experiences and interactions with parks.”

The visitor experiences could include:

• Retail and hospitality offerings, including commercial kitchen facilities.
• Transportation solutions such as electric shuttle, ebike, scooter hire.
• ‘Scientist-in-residence’ programs and ‘Living lab’ education/research centre connecting visitors to conservation activities.
• Dynamic and innovative interpretation experiences.
• Accommodation provision/or a bookings/reception service for a range of accommodation in other locations. 
• Tour and guided experiences booking/starting point.
• Flexible events/exhibition/functions space, artist studios, events and cultural programs.
• Community services and spaces.
• Seasonal pop-up spaces.

The University of Adelaide, which had co-located facilities at the former Flinders Chase Visitor Centre, will also contribute to a partnership in the design, construction and occupancy of the building.

Mr Williams says he is pleased to announce internationally recognised architects Troppo are the successful contractors for the precinct.

“Troppo are nationally and internationally recognised as specialists in environmentally friendly design and are one of Australia’s most awarded architecture firms,” he says.

The hub will operate as the major visitor service centre for parks within Western KI and provide parks information, orientation, and ticketing/bookings for these parks and their key attractions.

Registrations of Interest (ROI) are now open via https://engagementhub.parks.sa.gov.au/reimagine