Georgia Aquarium plans major expansion to open in 2020

Fish lovers rejoice: The already massive Georgia Aquarium is gearing up for a major expansion.

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, plans are in the works for what an aquarium representative called “a really big” undertaking.

Work is still in the initial design stages for new exhibit space, to be built where the existing main entrance to the attraction is. The new build will reach out toward Baker Street and Centennial Olympic Park.

The last expansion to the facility happened in 2016, with the completion of the $40 million sea lion exhibit.

The latest initiative comes as more development launches in the Centennial Park District to attract visitors. A new hotel is wrapping up across the street from the aquarium, with another planned. Nearby, the park itself is being expanded.

When construction gets underway, a temporary entrance will allow visitors into the facility from Pemberton Place, directly across from the World of Coca-Cola entrance.

If all goes according to plan, the temporary entry will reportedly open in 2018, allowing construction on the expansion to progress. The work is expected to take around two years.

Hard to believe, but the largest fish tank in the Western Hemisphere turns 13 years old this fall.

• UPDATE: Georgia Aquarium plans major expansion for 2020 [Atlanta Business Chronicle]