Master Plan for the Gardens

Many Friends will have seen recent media reports about the appointment of a consortium of architects and landscape architects, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Taylor Cullity Lethlean, to develop a 20-year Master Plan for the Australian National Botanic Gardens. A key objective is to develop plans for new infrastructure and other attractions to support the growth of the Gardens’ visitor experiences, educational and recreational opportunities without affecting the precious living plant collection. The master plan is expected to be phased in over a 20- year period with funds from a variety of sources, including the Parks Australia capital works budget.

There are many ideas on the table, including a new visitor centre, cafe, pathways and learning experiences for children. The scope of the Master Plan will also include a new seed bank and horticultural facilities designed to increase the horticultural, research and conservation capabilities of the ANBG.

It is anticipated that the final Master Plan will be developed by June 2015.

The Canberra Times published an article about this on 10 December 2014.

More information is on the Gardens' website, including a link to draft concept plans and directions on how you can have a say in this important development.