Media Response |
Ballarat (City) 12 Mar 2019

- City of Ballarat Infrastructure and Environment Director Terry Demeo

What stage is the Gatekeeper’s Cottage project at?

The cottage sits on a new foundation, with new incoming services connected. Hazardous materials, such as asbestos, have been removed.

Works are being completed by local builder Peter Broadhead, with local trades and suppliers used.

The cottage interior has been cleared, with the original frame to be stiffened and straightened.

Chimneys have been reconstructed to match the original detail, new services have been roughed in, wall and ceiling linings have been renewed and currently the carpentry fix out is underway.

A new deck area has been built, which will provide a public space that can also be used for outdoor education sessions.

A new portico has been constructed to identify the new main entry. It has been built as an arbour structure which will, in time, supporting climbing plants tended to by the Friends of the Gardens.

The original front door will be operational, however a DDA compliant accessible entry has also been incorporated.

What work is still to be done?

Work still to be done includes repairs and original cladding and fretwork painting, internal floor and wall finishes and fix out, reconstruction of the front verandas to match the original detailing, construction of a cottage garden and picket fence to the original entry, terraces to provide access to the decking’s north elevation, external works (including paths and landscaping) to link the cottage to the Wendouree Parade precinct, and associated infrastructure such as parking and toilets.

What funding has been obtained, where has it come from, what is still required to complete the project? 

The cottage’s renewal works have been funded by the City of Ballarat. The Friends of the Gardens are funding the fit out of furniture and education fixtures.

Is there an expected timeline for when it will be ready for use? 

The cottage will be open to the public after Easter (May 2019) with external works to the south elevation to continue as a separate project.

What will the cottage be used for? 

The cottage will deliver a space for display of the Botanical Gardens history and to provide a space for current Friends of the Gardens education activities to be expanded.

Is council or Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens caretakers of the building? 

Council will be responsible for the ongoing cottage maintenance. The Friends of the Gardens will provide volunteers to man education activities at the precinct.