The SA Whale Centre will close from tomorrow, 1 December, to enable renovation of the building to accommodate Victor Harbor’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

Currently housed in the historic Railway Goods Shed on Railway Terrace, Whale Centre staff will temporarily move to the Coral Street Arts Space.

The City of Victor Harbor decided in July to consolidate visitor services in the Whale Centre building to align with the changing consumer behaviour of visitors, who increasingly use online and digital technology to inform their travel choices.

The VIC stopped making in-person visitor bookings on November 2, but retains its online booking service.

Council has budgeted $630,000 for the renovation, which includes installation of a lift, re-setting of stairs and hand rails, upgrading of toilet facilities and installation of fire safety equipment.

The project will be part funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program with a contribution of $355,740. 

The VIC will stay in its current location next to the Causeway until February to serve the peak summer visitation period. 

Council will subsequently sub-let the building and the Coral Street Arts Space will be the temporary location for all visitor services until the Railway Goods Shed upgrade is completed in June next year.

The aim is to open the upgraded building in time for the start of the 2021 whale season. Until then the Visitor Services coordinator will operate from the council offices.

Whale Centre and VIC merchandise will not be sold during the renovation and consolidation period.

The council currently invests around $664,000 each year to operate the VIC and SA Whale Centre.

It says consolidation will stop duplication of services and will save around $150,000 each year.

Some of these savings will be put towards employing a digital marketing specialist under the new VIC model.

Council is also looking to introduce a mobile ‘Ask me’ service, facilitated by staff and volunteers, to assist visitors with information, directions and a general concierge service promoting all things Victor Harbor. 

 “The City of Victor Harbor is unique in the fact that it is responsible for tourism assets like the SA Whale Centre and VIC, and owner of the iconic Victor Harbor Horse Tram,” says City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins.

“While the Council understands that these services are really important to our local community and our tourism economy, we have a responsibility to ensure these services are efficiently operated and they continue to meet the changing needs of visitors who frequent our region.” 

 “Our volunteers at the VIC and SA Whale Centre will remain an important part of the visitor experience and we will be working closely with them during this transition.”