Works have started on the new George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens visitor and event centre.
Local company Sunbuild will do the build which will support some 45 construction jobs.
The works are part of the Territory Labor Government’s $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package and will breath new life into the Gardens, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
The centre will be available for small conferences, weddings and community events, with interpretive exhibits leading visitors out into the beautiful gardens. It will offer indoor, air-conditioned, all-season conference and event facilities in-line with facilities offered at botanic gardens around Australia.
The design for the visitor centre includes:
- A Reception area
- A small retail outlet for Territory made souvenirs
- An interpretive timeline displaying the Gardens history and an understanding of the unique features of the Gardens and its collections
- An interactive Larrakia Aboriginal seasonal calendar exploring traditional stories and botanical knowledge.
The layout of the building has been locally designed by architect Hully Liveris to integrate with its surroundings, including the existing topography of Frangipani Hill, and retain existing vegetation to the greatest extent possible.
The site has been cleared, plumbing installed and electrical works and concrete excavations are about start.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a stunning tropical destination, and this investment will create jobs and opportunities for catering and event organisers outside of peak season which is fantastic news for local businesses.
The air-conditioned multi-purpose visitor and event centre will be a huge asset for both locals and visitors, offering a space for small conferences, weddings and community events, with interpretive materials leading visitors out into the beautiful gardens.
The concept design looks fantastic and it is really exciting to see this project progressing on-track and on-time.
As noted by Sunbuild Director, Jim Eadie:
This building is great for the economy and fantastic for Territorians and visitors.
We are proud to be part of this project in a stunning location.
We have engaged highly skilled Territory-based architects to ensure the location and landscape is worked with and embraced.
The visitor and event centre concept was designed by local architect Hully Liveris and has incorporated the use of local materials like Darwin Stringy Bark.
Sunbuild has also engaged Jo Best from Darwin-based Troppo Architects as principal consultant, and landscape designer Tony Cox from Clouston Associates.
