A FIRST glimpse at upgrades to the city's botanic gardens and nearby museum boasts interactive playgrounds, sensory gardens and added appeal as a wedding venue.
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The council released a virtual image from its Entwine project that will develop additional leisure spaces and pathways between the Museum of the Riverina and Wagga Botanic Gardens in a way to boost visitation at the two sites.
Wagga City Council's project delivery manager Rupesh Shah said the computer generated image showed how refurbishing existing infrastructure, such as the pond and bamboo garden, could strengthen the area's appeal as a wedding venue.
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He said the redevelopment also has potential to transform the "much-loved" area into an engaging precinct that encourages tourists to stay "one more day" in the city.
"The pond view computer generated image shows the proposed alterations and additions to the brolga pond. Specifically, expansion of the existing space with installation of new tiered seating, refurbishment of existing band stand and new turfed lawn for events," he said.
"The park view computer generated image shows the proposed new nature play space in the existing native gardens... specifically, two new barbecue shelters and nature inspired play space."
Other features include new interactive playgrounds, as well as low maintenance and easily-accessible interpretive trails and sensory gardens.
The Entwine project, which is costing $900,000, is occurring concurrently with the multimillion-dollar makeover of the Museum of the Riverina.
Wagga City Council's commercial operations director Caroline Angel said the council has detailed designs of the redevelopment, however a firm construction date could not be confirmed until a contract was awarded.
However, she said an outcome is expected in February and anticipates building works to begin as early as March.
"Council's initial timeline has changed after additional time was committed to the design and procurement phases of the project. This was to ensure the highest quality outcome for the community," she said.