As part of Council’s vision for a vibrant community enriched through creativity in all its forms, a new $4.6 million Visitor and Information Centre is under construction at the Cairns Botanic Gardens Precinct. Set to provide a new focal point for the iconic Tanks Arts Centre and Botanic Gardens, the centre will feature an interpretive area drawing together the arts, culture and environment values to provide dynamic interpretation.
Complemented by a shop stocked with locally designed giftware and scheduled with locally produced tours and performances, the centre will deliver a new platform for artists, craftsmen, horticulturists, musicians, historians, botanists and performers to share their knowledge and passion, learn and teach, promote and share.
"The building itself has been designed to demonstrate sustainability in action," said Leslie Sparkes, CRC’s Manager Cultural Services and Facilities."It will feature solar panels, natural ventilation, low energy lighting and rainwater tanks. Mirror like outer walls will blend in with the surrounding foliage and reflect the beauty of our world class tropical gardens."
Set to be the jewel in the crown of the Botanic Gardens Precinct, the new Visitor and Information Centre is a major milestone in the $30 million, ten year program of master planned works.
The centre will complement the other redevelopments which to date include the realignment of Collins Avenue, more user friendly walkways and additional car parking.
CRC sees this area as a fundamental part of the region’s environmental and cultural fabric.