Forgotten gardens’ history preserved

THE official launch of a short video created to preserve the history of the Ballarat East Town Hall Gardens will be held at Barkly Square on Tuesday 9 December.

The forgotten history of a horticultural masterpiece documents the transformation of a desolate landscape into magnificent gardens.

“In 1857, one of the first tasks of the municipal council of Ballarat East was to select a suitable site for a town hall and gardens,” design adviser John Dyke said.

“The current site was chosen due to its proximity to Main Road and central business district.

“The site was in a derelict condition due to the debris left from mining activities.

“This presented a huge challenge to transform this unforgiving land into a horticultural paradise.

“After some time of developing the site, the first plantings were in 1864.

“Some of the original trees remain such as the Blue Atlas Cedar, which is still a central feature in the gardens.”

In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visited the gardens and planted two Spanish Firs, which are still featured in the gardens. “The gardens in their heyday were an urban oasis, they contained beautifully cultivated rare trees and plants, they were chosen to provide continuous colour,” Mr Dyke said.

“Within the gardens, shady areas were provided to create a respite from the dust, smells and harsh conditions of the surrounding area.

“Chrysanthemums were a speciality.”

Changes to the site occurred after the amalgamation of local city councils in 1921. The town hall building was leased to Ballarat Teachers’ College and later the Department of Education. The old town hall was demolished in 1948.

The site continued to be used for educational purposes until 2016.

In 2018, BGT Jobs and Training took over the lease, revitalising the area as a vibrant community hub.

“It is important to preserve the rich history of the gardens for future generations,” Mr Dyke said. “It is hoped that the gardens can be restored to their formal glory.”

A walking tour will follow the launch. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.