The City of Greater Bendigo has released its vision for a new central hub precinct at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills.
The central hub precinct will be constructed on vacant land located at the bottom of Hamelin Street between the heritage gardens and the new Garden for the Future to provide a connection between both gardens.
City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Debbie Wood said the central hub is an important project featured in the City's award-winning Bendigo Botanic Gardens Masterplan.
"The central hub buildings and landscaping will form the heart of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens Precinct by formalising the entrance to the Garden, providing a visitor centre, café, amenities, wetlands/ponds and landscaped gardens and areas where people can gather," Ms Wood said.
"It will provide a unique visitor experience that encourages people to connect and interact with the landscape and the Bendigo Creek.
"At the moment we have a void between the heritage gardens and the Garden for the Future and the central hub precinct will help provide a seamless transition between both the old and the new gardens. It will also provide unique opportunities for people to interact with the Bendigo Creek and our region's local indigenous heritage.
"It's a very exciting cultural project for the City that will enhance the flow of the existing gardens by adding new elements and facilities where people can meet. It really is the missing link.
"The City has contracted GHD Woodhead Architecture to design the new buildings and precinct. The architects have been working with the City, Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens group and the Dja Dja Wurrung to develop a unique vision for the precinct which is now available to view on the City's website at https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/BBGHubVision until May 31, 2020.
"While the construction of the new precinct is currently unfunded the City will be seeking funding from both the Victorian and Australian Governments to undertake this building project which we hope to have completed by June 2024."
