A new building and operations centre is planned for the gardens. This will replace the existing council depot and maintenance yard which is situated alongside the rose garden. Here’s an impression of how it will look…
In response to a public and stakeholder consultation exercise undertaken in 2018 the redeveloped area will bring two major benefits:
Facilities for council operatives (including internal storage and welfare), external workspace, storage space and maintenance yard will all be much improved.
The development will provide meeting spaces and flexible facilities for community and volunteer groups. This will enable training, workshop and educational activities (such as visits by school groups) and will provide an external activity area and outdoor classroom.
The site sits at an elevated position in the gardens and at the northerly end lies a fantastic panoramic viewpoint over the Clock Café Basin and South Bay. With some selective tree removal and management of the intervening vegetation this has the potential to be an iconic location.
The building is set back from steep sloping bank to avoid ground stability issues – this presents an opportunity to utilise the bank for community gardens/planting.
The new centre will fulfil the future maintenance needs of the site and expand volunteer involvement – improving the future sustainability of the garden.