DEMOLITION works have begun on the current Ballarat Botanical Gardens\u2019 fernery to make way for its redevelopment.<\/p>\n
A new structure, designed by heritage architect, Andrew Fedorowicz, will then be built by Resi Care in the style of the site\u2019s original gothic fernery.<\/p>\n
Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Committee Member, Elizabeth Gilfillan said the group is \u201cthrilled to bits\u201d to see some action for the long-term project.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting. We\u2019re very, very relieved that it\u2019s starting,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s another point of interest and another draw card, not only for the locals but for many people from elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
The City of Ballarat is contributing $1.4 million to the project which should be completed by the end of the year, and Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said the fernery is part of protecting Ballarat\u2019s beauty.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the foundations are still here of this gorgeous old gothic fernery. We have the original architectural plans of the timber structure and the steel version,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked very closely with the Friends of the Gardens over the years to make sure that we\u2019re taking into consideration the views of many hundreds of people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been working very closely with National Trust and Heritage Victoria to do the best that we possibly can to reflect our past history, and to make sure that\u2019s part of this beautiful future for Ballarat as we\u2019re growing,\u201d Cr McIntosh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to make sure that we\u2019re planting seed that\u2019s a great education tool for young people that will look after Ballarat into the future.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DEMOLITION works have begun on the current Ballarat Botanical Gardens\u2019 fernery to make way for its redevelopment. A new structure, designed by heritage architect, Andrew Fedorowicz, will then be built by Resi Care in the style of the site\u2019s original gothic fernery. Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Committee Member, Elizabeth Gilfillan said the group […]<\/p>\n