The anticipated size of the three-level building is approximately 100 metres wide by 150 metres long, with one level to be placed underground.

Each of the three levels should be about seven metres in height, with a large opal coloured dome as central focal point on top of the building.

The central area of each level is open, offering a direct view to the ground floor.

The dome itself should be about 40 metres by 30 metres, and 12 metres high.

The total height of the complex is expected to be about 42 metres.

The light flowing through the harlequin coloured dome will fitter down to the ground level and create an interesting diamond shaped colourful pattern on the ground floor.

The sides and the rear of the building will be surrounded by massive amounts of opal clay, to give the impression that most of the building is placed underground, and to give tourists the opportunity to fossick for opal.

The facility will be financed privately as it is almost impossible for such a centre to be self-supporting and there is little possibility of raising the millions of dollars needed from donations or locally owned shares.

Local spokesperson for the project Herman Kreller believes the facility has a good chance of achieving self-sufficiency.

"Because opal is our national gemstone and is a local product," Mr Kreller said, "the facility should prove a powerful magnate to tourist, encouraging them to visit our town and thus benefiting all sectors of the community."

Business must be able to take care of itself and this venture will have to ensure through had work and promotion that it survives and prospers.

The venture's financial success is based on 30,000 visitors each year.

"The centre will in no way interfere with any other businesses or other planned developments," Mr Kreller said.

"The idea for this project is to improve tourism to the area, helping the dozens of different businesses that directly or indirectly rely on tourism."