REDLANDS IndigiScapes Centre will close for half of next year while an expansion is underway.
The work includes refurbishments to the centre’s cafe, additional native landscape gardens, a new environmental interpretation space, education areas and conference facilities. A skywalk will be built during 2019-20.
Cr Murray Elliott said the improvements would cement the centre’s place among the most unique and popular environment centres in Queensland.
He said the improvements were possible through a multi-million dollar investment by council and $900,00 from the state government.
“Work will begin in the coming months, with the centre to temporarily close the first half of next year to allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently.” Cr Elliott said.
“We are certain the sacrifice will be worth it when the newly refurbished centre reopens again to the public.”
Opportunities for sensory experiences, touch and feel technology and interactive maps are included in the plans.
The cafe relocation will provide more space for customers and a larger kitchen.
Mayor Karen Williams said there were more than 40,000 visitors a year to IndigiScapes.
She said the expansion plans built on the newly co-located Horizons Centre and the IndigiScapes nursery centre expansion.
“The IndigiScapes nursery plays an important role in helping to transform the IndigiScapes educational messages into reality, supplying low-cost, locally indigenous seedlings for planting,” Cr Williams said.
She said the nursery would continue operating during the refurbishments.
This would enable visitors to continue to receive advice and purchase plants during the six month closure.
“We will also be looking at how best to ensure the continuity of the many environmental extension services delivered from the IndigiScapes centre by staff members who will be relocated during the temporary closure,” she said.
IndigiScapes will close from December 28.
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