The Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens is to get a new visitor centre costing $3.3 million, and nearly $500,000 of that will be donated.
Curator-manager Jack Hobbs said the 20-year-old centre was too small to handle 800,000 visitors a year.
The extra space was needed for information services, merchandise, themed plant displays,
a cafe, more toilet facilities and offices.
Mr Hobbs said the concept design was very contemporary but in keeping with the gardens' surroundings.
Preliminary designs, by Nordon Projects, would be available for public comment at an open day on Sunday and a meeting on Tuesday.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens have donated $150,000 and a similar amount was expected from other grants and donations.
A bequest of $192,600 from Bill Rogers of Mangere, made in 1987, will also be used.
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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