Bath-based landscape architects Grant Associates have been appointed by the Royal Botanics and Domain Trust in Sydney to help develop a new sustainable masterplan for the city’s historic Royal Botanic Garden.
The practice Grant Associates will be responsible for developing the landscape strategy and public realm elements of the new masterplan for the site, which has a combined area of 64 hectares on a spectacular location bordering the iconic Sydney Harbour.
Due to celebrate its bicentenary in 2016, and as Australia’s oldest research and scientific institution, the garden holds a unique place in the nation’s intellectual life and is a popular recreation and visitor destination.
The new integrated masterplan, due to be unveiled in November, will address the heritage of the garden and its role, structure and future form. It will identify the means by which research and education can flourish; address the physical environment, facilities and character; and seek to establish a framework for a resilient and sustainable financial future for the Garden.
Grant Associates director Keith French said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this fascinating project. As the primary role of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust is for scientific research, we have to ensure a sustainable financial future and funding for this work, is balanced against the needs of heritage, education, recreation and as a tourist destination. It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to play a small part in the future role of this amazing historic site.”
The firm was recently appointed to work on Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay.
