Auckland Regional Council
Media Release

Summer opening for new Botanic Gardens visitor centre

12 May 2004

The new visitor centre at the Auckland Reigonal Botanic Gardens will be open by Christmas.

Construction has already begun on the new centre and the ARC's Parks and Heritage Committee today confirmed the project's programme of works.

Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the visitor centre will be open in December with an exact date to be announced soon.

"It will be an early Christmas present for Auckland," Cr Burrill says.

Earthworks and the pouring of piles are complete and construction contractor Mainworks Mainzeal Ltd has identified a number of key milestones leading up to completion in December.

The floor slab on the building will be poured by late June; landscaping works will commence in early August and the atrium will be roofed later the same month. Fit out for the building including display area, shop and café will take place form October.

Cr Burrill says the visitor centre is not just about a new building.

"It is an opportunity to create a world class arrival experience for all Botanic Gardens visitors, based around improved facilities and information, combined with a dynamic design," he says.

Specifically, the new visitor centre will provide an all weather destination with improved information services, plant displays, a café, more toilet facilities and improved retail space. It will also feature artworks, landscaping and themed displays in its overall design. Visitors will be able to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the gardens from the visitor centre courtyard.

Cr Burrill says a pathway will link the new visitor centre with the Potter Children's Garden, a new interactive garden being developed this year.

"These exciting new developments will make the Botanic Gardens a great place for families to be this summer," he says.

Simon Roche Communications Advisor Auckland Regional Council

http://www.arc.govt.nz

© Scoop Media