The contract to design and construct the brand new George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens visitor and event centre has been awarded to local company Sunbuild and will create more than 45 construction jobs.
The works are part of the Territory Government's record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.
The centre will be available for business events, community events, and other private events, with interpretive exhibits leading visitors out into the much loved gardens. It will offer indoor, air-conditioned, all-season event facilities in-line with those offered at botanic gardens around Australia.
The design for the visitor centre includes an interpretive timeline display that will describe the history of the Gardens since its inception at Fannie Bay and will provide visitors with an understanding of the many unique features of the Gardens and its collections, including a Larrakia Aboriginal seasonal calendar exploring traditional stories and indigenous botanical knowledge.
There will also be a space for staff to greet visitors and provide information plus a small retail space for Territory made souvenirs.
The layout of the building has been designed to integrate with its surroundings, including the existing data topography of Frangipani Hill, and retain existing vegetation to the greatest extent possible.
The visitor and event centre has been designed by local architect Hully Liveris and has incorporated the use of local materials like Darwin Stringy Bark.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss
The Territory Labor Government through the record $103 Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package is investing $9.9 million to enhance facilities and improve the visitor experience at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Investment in this unique destination will create jobs and opportunities for catering and event organisers outside of peak season which is fantastic news for local businesses and creating jobs.
The events centre will cater for around 200 patrons in a space that will capture the essence of its tropical location at the base of Frangipani Hill.
It is really exciting to see this project progressing on-track and on-time.
