Rockhampton zoo and botanic gardens redevelopment: First concept designs revealed

Plans for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment at the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo are well underway. See what it will look like.

The number one complaint about the Rockhampton Zoo is the lack of toilets, particularly for parents with young children, but that is all about to change.

Zoo visitors will be pleased to learn plans for the site’s redevelopment are moving along and one of the main features will be new amenities.

New concept designs by Cox Architecture in collaboration with Rockhampton firm Design + Architecture were published by Rockhampton Regional Council this month.

The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo is getting a total revamp, with the first key priority projects being the Zoo Visitor Hub (including amenities), Animal Operations Centre and upgrades to the Botanic Gardens carpark.

The full cost of the project hasn’t been finalised due to the current building market circumstances however current estimated construction costs for the project is between $9.5 to $10.5 million.

Council has been successful in some government grant funding.

A $1.5 million grant from the Federal Government will go towards the construction of the Visitor Hub while $1.4 million funding for the Botanic Gardens Playground Renewal has also been awarded from the Works for Queensland state government program.

Council has submitted further applications for funding and is waiting to hear the results.

The construction tender is due to be released on September 7 and will close after seven weeks, on October 19.

The contract is due to be awarded in late November and possession of the site can begin in late January 2023.

See the concept designs below:

Concept designs by Cox Architecture and Rockhampton firm Design + Architecture of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens & Zoo Visitor Hub and Animal Operations Centre redevelopment.