A new $160m aquarium is being proposed for Clearwater, Florida's downtown waterfront, as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium looks to build a new 18,600sq.m facility.

A draft agreement has been drawn up between the aquarium and the Clearwater City Council, though plans will only go ahead once the public has had a chance to discuss and vote on the development in a November referendum.

The aquarium is proposed over three levels. The first will feature Everglades, manatee and otter exhibits, as well as a children's area and classrooms.

On the second level there are plans for a large touch tank, a coral reef exhibit, dolphin stadium and octopus, jellyfish and seahorse attractions. Alongside these will be a turtle tank and a 4D theatre.

The top level features more attractions including 2D and 4D theatres, further coral reef exhibits, community rooms, a rooftop deck and a catering kitchen.