George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens $9.8 million facelift is a step closer with concepts for a new multi-purpose visitor and event centre on public display at the Gardens from today.
The works are part of the Territory Labor Government's record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss, said the centre will offer indoor, air-conditioned, all-season conference and event facilities in-line with facilities offered at botanic gardens around Australia - perfect for small conferences, weddings and community events.
The concepts for the visitor centre will be on display in the current information centre at the top of the park giving the community a chance to look at the design and construction process. The design includes interpretive displays telling the Gardens history and will incorporate the Larrakia Aboriginal seasons calendar with an interactive touch screen to explore traditional stories and Indigenous botanical knowledge. There will also be a retail and information hub.
The layout of the building has been designed to integrate with its surroundings, including the existing topography of Frangipani Hill, and retain existing vegetation to the greatest extent possible.
There will be an open day in the Gardens this Saturday, where the community will be able to speak with local architect Hully Liveris from 10-11am.
The new centre is expected to be open in September next year.
The concepts will be on display at the Gardens in the Geranium Street Visitor Centre from September 5-9 and then at the Live Darwin Hub in the Smith Street Mall from September 10-16.
