The next step in the Bendigo Botanical Gardens develop has been taken with construction work on the $7 million Central Hub Precinct starting.
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The hub will link the botanical gardens with the Garden of the Future that was launched in 2018.
It will include the construction of a new 660 square metre timber clad Visitor Centre with café and function centre, community rooms and public facilities.
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One hectare of new gardens with an Indigenous focus will be installed along with gathering and educational spaces, wetlands and ponds and a new formalised entrance to the Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Works will also include the refurbishment of the bridge across Bendigo Creek and a stormwater harvesting system.
The continued development of the botanical gardens has been years in the making with plans for the Garden of the Future initially unveiled in 2014.
The construction of the central hub and visitor centre was earmarked in December last year.
City of Greater Bendigo mayor Jennifer Alden said the Central Hub Precinct would sit at the bottom of Hamelin Street between the heritage gardens and the new Garden for the Future.
"There is currently a void between the heritage gardens and the Garden for the Future and the new precinct, when completed will provide a seamless transition between both the old and the new gardens. It really is the missing link," Cr Alden said.
"The project has had input from Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises, trading as Djandak, and its Gapa Gatjin group who have contributed to various aspects of the overall design.
"The project hopes to provide an opportunity to serve as a gathering space for Indigenous events, educational experiences and the celebration of Indigenous culture and language through interpretation and storytelling."
Cr Alden said the project will create 50 construction jobs and nine ongoing jobs at the centre. She said the ripple effect of those ongoing jobs will benefit Bendigo's economy.
"This is going to draw so many people as well as being a connector between the old Botanical Gardens and the Garden of the Future," she said.
"The Garden of the Future has been fantastic. If you have been to events there, you know you always see people going in and out. It's a hidden gem and we are so fortunate to have it.
"This (visitor centre) will be another layer to build on and really cement the hub as a peak tourism spot."
The $7 million project has been funded thanks to $3.75 million from the state government's Building Works package, $1.75 million from the federal government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $550,000 from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and $1 million from the City of Greater Bendigo.
Friends of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens assisted with the design of the project and also contributed $10,000.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the continued investment in the garden would be a benefit for the region's families.
"It's going to provide a great visitor centre and point of entry for the expanded gardens which means families and friends will be able to come and enjoy the gardens more," she said.
"The funds invested by the Andrews Government and the other levels of govt and members of communtiy are an investment in supporting people to continue to use these gardens and visit Bendigo.
"Having centre here with all the sorts of facilities you need, makes it easier to visit places and space. In turn that has great return for community."
The Central hub Precinct is expected to be completed by June, 2022.
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