Belfast City Council Community and Recreation (Parks and Cemeteries) Sub-Committee Report on Botanic Gardens Tropical Ravine Roof (November 2005)
From Nigov
Purpose of Report
The Sub Committee at its meeting on 12th September 2005 agreed to defer consideration of a report in relation to the repair and refurbishment of the Tropical Ravine at the Botanic Gardens to enable a site visit to be undertaken. This site visit took place on Monday 21st November and the Sub Committee is now requested to consider the updated information that is submitted in relation to the condition of the Tropical Ravine. (Attached at Appendix A).
The deferred report from 12th September 2005 is reproduced as follows:-
Contents |
Purpose of Report
The Sub-Committee is requested to consider the information that has been provided in relation to the condition of the Tropical Ravine.
Background
I remind Members that at the Parks and Amenities Sub Committee on 14th September 2004 it was agreed to undertake a report concerning the condition, cost of repairs and funding options associated with the Tropical Ravine.
The Tropical Ravine is a unique building situated beside the Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens. The building has a long and significant history and is a unique heritage resource. The building is rectangular in shape with brick built walls and the traditional glass pitched roof. Within the centre of the house is a deep ravine with a range of tropical and temperate plants.
For many years the condition of the roof of the tropical ravine in particular has given cause for concern and as a result Members of the Parks and Amenities Sub-Committee at its meeting on 14th September 2004 agreed that a report on the building be prepared for its attention.
Current Position
The Property Care Section of the Council prepared a condition report and a summary is attached as Appendix A.
The report also includes a costing which is estimated to be in the region of £550,000 excluding professional fees and VAT.
The roof of the building is basically at the end of its life having been previously restored in the early 1980’s.
Resources
Botanic Gardens in general is a significant tourist attraction, in particular its two buildings i.e. the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine. A New York reporter who recently reported on tourism in Belfast stated that ‘there is a limit to the number of times you can visit Botanic Gardens’ (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) . It is important therefore that the two buildings bearing in mind their history but their significant and unique tourism interest be kept in good order.
Resources
There appears to be only two significant sources of funding for this type of work one being the Heritage Lottery Fund and the other, at a much lesser rate of support, from an Environment and Heritage Service of the DOE.
The repair would also be a matter for the Capital Programme.
Environmental Implications
The building in its current state, because of slipping glass etc., leaks much heat and is therefore consuming energy.
The Tropical Ravine building is used to promote the environment by informing visitors, through the organising of events, school visits etc., of the importance of tropical rain forests in particular.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Sub-Committee is supportive of the efforts to have the Tropical Ravine roof restored and that the project be included in a future Capital Programme.’
Background and Proposal
During the site visit Members met with the ‘Friends’ of Botanic Gardens. The Friends’ group has indicated that it wishes to help in bringing about a speedy repair of the Tropical Ravine a building which it feels has great importance to the City.
Equality Implications
Nil.
Environmental Implications
The Tropical Ravine is a major environmental and tourism resource.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Sub-Committee discusses the way forward.
