Many thought Maryport harbour commissioner Eric Martin was mad when he visited an aquarium owner in North Wales and asked him to consider relocating to the town.

But Mark Vollers took up the challenge and, in June 1996, work began on building the new visitor attraction which was opened 11 months later in May 1997.

Twenty years and more than a million visitors later, the Lake District Coast Aquarium remains one of Maryport’s most successful regeneration projects.

Mr Vollers says: “I first visited in 1991 after Eric Martin visited me and told me I must keep Maryport in mind.

“He encouraged me and kept me informed well into the build.”

Mr Vollers says at the time the harbour area was in the throes of massive redevelopment, having been rescued from terminal dereliction which began with the decline of fishing, mining and major local manufacturing in the late 1960s. He adds: “This renaissance was only possible because of the efforts and determination of local people who secured the investment of several millions of initially public money to rebuild the infrastructure.

“Once in place this then allowed and encouraged some private and more public investment to take place, notably residential building around part of Elizabeth Dock and some commercial office space on Irish Street.”

Mr Vollers sold his North Wales business in 1994 but it took two years for planning and finances to be sorted out before building.

It was a huge financial commitment and, while he had been lured as part of the plan to regenerate the harbour, not everyone appreciated that this was a business venture.

“I remember having a first meeting with Maryport council who were curious to hear about the project and I recall one of the councillors saying ‘You’ve come here to make money, haven’t you!’ and I thought a bit before answering ‘Well, if that’s not part of my plan I wouldn’t be here for very long, would I!’.”

He says both Maryport and Allerdale councils, along with the old Maryport Developments and the harbour authority, have been supportive throughout.

The aquarium has grown in many ways since it was built.

It began with 32 displays and now has 78. Most of these are fish species found in the Solway and the emphasis has always been on educating people as well as providing them with a magical experience.

Going into the aquarium is like entering the bowels of a sunken ship. Of special delight to adults and children are the areas where they get to touch living creatures.

Part of the education process saw the opening, in 2008, of the Wild Solway exhibition and film theatre, a space used for education which can be used by schools and groups.

In 2013, the Sea Lab was opened which, among other things, allows the public to watch the entire lifecycle of a lobster.

The aquarium offers other entertainment, too.

This includes a radio control boat pool and the chance to fire water jets at pirates.

In 2003 Mr Vollers opened a crazy golf course.

Six years ago, when Maryport council discussed closing the neighbouring Shiver Me Timbers playground, Mr Vollers agreed to supervise and maintain it and has been doing it ever since.

The cafe has also become popular with visitors and locals who can enjoy a meal or a cuppa while looking out over the harbour.

With the increasing importance of tourism in the town, Mark Vollers has done his bit to ensure that the visitors come.

As well as the cafe and a retail area, the aquarium is now the Tourist Information Centre for Maryport.

Mr Vollers says: “We act as the hub for the visitors who are generally delighted to discover all that is on offer locally and within walking distance – the Roman and maritime museums, karting, the Wave Centre, a nucleus of charming shops, and fantastic coastal walks are just a few of the attractions we promote.”

Mr Vollers says the aquarium and its associated activities must continue to adapt and evolve, not only to meet but to try to exceed people’s expectations.

He says: “Repeat visitors and word of mouth recommendations are its lifeblood.”

Twenty years ago, work was already beginning on renovating and renewing the harbour.

But whether it would have continued the same way and whether there would have been enough visitors to sustain the development without the aquarium will never be known.

Mr Martin, who oversaw the regeneration, and project officer for the building, believes it would not.

“Without the aquarium and Thomas Armstrong, who built apartments, the harbour would never have been developed,” he says.

The aquarium now employs 20 people.

Mr Martin says: “Their friendly service has been crucial to the success of the aquarium and I would like to thank them and our many local visitors who make this business viable and who make it still a pleasure for me to be involved after 20 years.”