A massive aquarium is at the centre of plans for Casablanca, Morocco, to lure in tourists and locals with a new MAD300m (US$34.8m, €30m, £23m) facility.

To feature a variety of aquatic life – including dolphins, sea lions, penguins and sharks – the 15,000sq m (161,500sq ft) aquarium would be built at the Casablanca Marina.

The Casablanca-based Al Manar Development Company (AMDC) is behind the plans, which have been inspired by the Oceanographic Park of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain – which is working in conjunction with the new aquarium after signing of a memorandum of understanding in April 2013.

Included in the development will be a dolphinarium, shark tank and habitats for an array of sea life. Aquarium specialist Groupe Coutant is operating as lead designer for the project.

According to a statement from AMDC: “The installation of this aquarium in Casablanca Marina aims to enhance the attractiveness of the metropolis and its competitiveness as a tourist and commercial destination at regional and international levels."