Upgrade planned for Blowes Conservatory
The historic 'Blowes Conservatory in Cook Park will be upgraded as a part of draft 2017/18 budget.
There’s an amount of $120,000 in the budget for the next financial year. The budget is currently on exhibition for community comment, and the Orange community has another two weeks to have their say on any aspect of the budget.
Orange's City Council's Parks, Gardens & Waterways Committee chair, Cr Reg Kidd, said it's important the proposed upgrade goes ahead.
"This funding will let some necessary work be done on the buildings windows and woodwork, as well as necessary re-wiring to allow for a lighting upgrade," Cr Reg Kidd said. "Some potential problems are starting to emerge with the brick walls and we’ll be looking closely at what needs to be done there to protect the building."
"The conservatory is an important element of the park’s history and any work that’s done will be planned and executed in full consultation with heritage consultants."
The conservatory dates from 1934 when it was donated to the people of Orange by a mayor of the time Mr A.W. Blowes.
"It was donated so that Tuberous Begonias could be grown," Cr Reg KIdd said. "The staff of Cook park continue to have an important role in maintaining the plants and putting on this tremendous display every year."
UPGRADE : Cr Reg Kidd and Cook Park team member Louise Aujard are looking forward to the upgrade of the historic Blowes Conservatory.
The period for community consultation on the 2017 Draft Budget has concluded. A report on the community response was considered by staff and presented to the 13 June council meeting which adopted the final budget.
