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The Garden is undergoing some major new developments that started in 2003. Funding for some of these projects has been granted from the Dept of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's Poverty Relief Fund. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during construction.
WHAT ARE WE PLANNING?
A. RESTAURANT
Our new restaurant 'Eagle's Fare' opened on 7 August 2004.
B. UPGRADING OF ENTRANCE / SHOP & NURSERY FACILITY
Upgrading of the existing Entrance Facility includes a new paypoint system to improve visitor flow. The existing Shop will be converted into a Visitor's information Centre. A new Commercial Centre including Shop and Nursery will be developed on the eastern side of the existing entrance building with direct access from the parking area. Exit from the Garden will be via the nursery and shop complex with a separate night-time and overflow exit.
C. CONCERT STAGE
The permanent stage will be situated at the base of the Main Lawn and will consist of a raised permanent stage with underground storeroom and change rooms for performers as well as a stage cover. (both temporary and permanent covers are currently under consideration).
D. FUNCTION FACILITY
The construction of a New Conference / Function Facility for about 150-200 people on the western side of the existing building. The facility will consist of a hall area (which can be divided into smaller meeting rooms) as well as toilet facilities, a small kitchen and a storeroom. We anticipate that this facility would be hired out for business meetings, small conferences/workshops, lectures as well as private functions such as wedding receptions.
Aerial view of Garden showing proposed development sites
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
- To make the garden more accessible to the general public. The upgrading of the Entrance Area will facilitate easier flow of visitors, particularly during peak times. In addition, the development of a world-class Visitor's Information Centre will provide much needed information on various aspects of the Botanical Garden and Nature Reserve to visitors.
- To provide high quality services to garden visitors, including a renovated restaurant, shop and nursery, as well as a new function facility to meet the ever-increasing demands of the increasing number of visitors to the Garden.
- To increase the income-generating capacity of the National Botanical Garden. With increasing pressure to become more self-sufficient, the rentals received from the shop, nursery, restaurant and function hall will be used to offset the large costs of maintaining the Botanical Garden to a high standard. Funds generated from special events held at the new Concert Stage will be used towards future Garden Development Projects.
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