The iconic Tea House building in the Geelong Botanic Gardens now boasts a new covered verandah, providing customers at the WYM (Where You Meet) café with a comfortable, sheltered outdoor dining space.
This improvement was made possible through $150,000 of funding from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
Heritage Victoria issued the planning permit as the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register with State Significance.
Before plans were submitted to Heritage Victoria, ground penetrating radar technology was used to survey the tree root systems to ensure the new structure would avoid disturbing tree roots.
The works were completed by the Geelong-based construction company TRAK Constructions.
Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles visited the new space last week.
Spanning 3.6 hectares, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is recognised for meticulously cultivated spaces dominated by mature 19th-century tree plantings, including rare exotic species alongside plant collections representing over 6000 species from across the world.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens is open every day of the year from 8am to 5pm (8am to 7pm during Daylight Savings hours) and entry is free.
For more information visit the Geelong Botanic Gardens website.
Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles
The Geelong Botanic Gardens is an historic part of our community, which is why it is fantastic to have partnered with the City of Greater Geelong to deliver a covered verandah for the iconic Tea House building.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
The new verandah provides covered outdoor seating for customers, making for an even more enjoyable place to meet and relax while exploring the gardens.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj
The Geelong Botanic Gardens is the fourth oldest botanic garden in Australia and home to many trees that are listed on the National Trust Register of Significant Trees.