Bendigo Council has released draft plans for a redevelopment of the historic White Hills Botanic Gardens, which could cost up to $30 million.
The council says the cost would be paid over many years and will need Government support. It estimates the redevelopment could bring 150,000 extra tourists to Bendigo every year. Bendigo councillor, Lisa Ruffell, said the redeveloped gardens would be an asset for central Victoria.
"It's exciting because we're going to have heritage, we're going to have a play space, water facilities, and it's there for the whole community, so what we're doing is putting this option out so the community can come and give their opinions," she said.
Bendigo Mayor, Kevin Gibbins, said the draft master plan was produced with significant community consultation and input to provide a long term vision for the gardens which were first gazetted in 1857 and covers 6.6 hectares (about 15 acres) next to Bendigo Creek. They contain a mature collection of trees, some of them in the National Trust Register of Significant Trees, flower border displays, a lagoon, a large picnic shelter dating from approximately 1904 and a collection of native animals.
“The draft master plan is the result of a very thorough planning process that started in 2008 and is the next step forward following the release of an options paper early this year,” said Gibbins.
The master plan recommends a restoration of the existing heritage gardens to the original layout along with the inclusion of new garden beds featuring heritage plants. It also proposes a range of works and initiatives including a major extension to the gardens which will feature: A new contemporary garden area, a botanic park with an arboretum (tree collection), children’s garden and play space, barbecue, picnic areas and car parking, development of a new aquatic facility, a new main entrance and paved central plaza events space, ponds complete with wetland plantings and board walk, construction of a cast iron conservatory and construction of a central events/amenities building.
