Ensuring that the Christchurch Botanic Gardens remains one of the city’s leading attractions is one of the priorities identified in the draft community plan for 2004/14.

“It is timely to take a good look at the Gardens and do some muchneeded upgrades. Nothing is badly broken but we need to make sure the popularity of this marvellous city asset continues well into the future,” the Council’s Greenspace Manager Anne Greenup says.

The need for a clearly defined Gardens entrance, upgrades of staff facilities, housing and protection of plant collections, an improved building for customers and the replacement of aging trees are just some of the aspects to be considered.

More details of the proposed review are available in the draft community plan. The public is able to comment on the review from now until early May and at later dateswhen plans for the Gardens are more advanced.

“The Council is very keen for the public to comment on this important project. Wide public scrutiny and involvement are more likely to result in projects which have community support,” says Anne Greenup.