Plans revealed to upgrade Albury’s botanic gardens

A new cafe, outdoor classroom, and an education and visitor’s centre will transform Albury’s botanic gardens under a highly anticipated masterplan.

The fate of Albury's botanic gardens will be decided at Monday's Albury City Council meeting,

Albury’s botanic gardens could be home to a new cafe, an outdoor classroom, and is likely to be dog friendly under a highly anticipated masterplan.

The draft master plan was approved at last week’s Albury City Council meeting.

Councillor Jessica Kellahan endorsed the plan, created by Andrea Proctor Landscapers, and said it was “well considered”.

“The indigenous planting in the heart of the garden addresses what the community are wanting,” Cr Kellahan said.

“The planting literally thinks outside of the square, encompassing cafes on the boundary and linking the gardens to Monument Hill.”

The draft plan includes more native plants and indigenous flora, a “state of the art” conservatory, a cafe, improved toilets, more carparking, picnic tables and seating, better way-finding and a greater engagement between management and the traditional custodians of the land.

The existing children’s garden will expand to include an outdoor classroom, an urban food garden, education centre and victor’s centre.

Councillor Ashley Edwards said she was looking forward to hearing feedback from the community before the final master plan was finalised.

“I do look forward to hearing what the community has to say about the proposed angle parking over the creek, on the Dean Street side of the gardens, given that it will potentially add more hot, hard surfaces to the area and limit future opportunities for planting and expansion of the gardens.”

The draft master plan for the Albury botanic gardens will be exhibited for 28 days so the public can make further suggestions.

Design inspiration for the conservatory and/or outdoor classroom from the master plan.

Design inspiration for a cafe and urban food garden from the master plan.

The plan has been in the making since 2021 when Albury City Council asked for the community’s feedback.

First opened in 1877, the gardens welcome more than 200,000 visitors per year and remains “one of the communities most treasured icons”.

Dogs are currently banned from the gardens but there are “polarised opinions” on whether they should be allowed under the revamped plan with a decision expected before it is adopted.

The plan is open for submissions for 28 days.