New Zoo Visitor Hub Reaches Major Milestone
Published on 13 December 2024
The new Rockhampton Zoo Entrance and Visitor Hub has reached a major milestone with over 50 per cent of the project completed.
The $7.5 million project delivered in partnership with the Australian Government will see a new contemporary entrance, multipurpose building and public amenities constructed at the site as well as additional public spaces, footpaths and plazas.
The project is expected to significantly improve visitor experience and accessibility at the zoo while promoting an interest in native and exotic wildlife through a series of unique design features such as reptile enclosures built into the multipurpose building wall.
Works to date have focused on laying the foundations and concrete stairs and ramps as well as the construction of the amenities building’s framework.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said the new entrance and visitor hub was an important project that would increase the appeal and visitor experience at the zoo.
“The Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens are one of our most popular visitor attractions seeing over 300,000 people visiting the site each year,” Mayor Williams said.
“The Zoo is a great place for families and groups to spend time and learn about our wide collection of native and exotic animals.
“The new entrance and visitor hub is an important step forward as we look enhance the zoo and continue to provide the places and spaces people want to visit and enjoy in Rockhampton.”
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said she was thrilled to see the work progressing and noted the significantly improvement visitors would see as a result of the project.
“This project will really elevate our Zoo’s status as a premier tourism destination, providing a formalised entrance, improved amenities, and a more enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists,” Cr Rutherford said.
“The new hub will not only serve as the entry and exit to the Zoo but will also cater to those visiting the Botanic Gardens.
“Careful consideration has gone into planning and design through Cox Architects with assistance from local company Design+Architecture. The building, designed to be fully accessible for all, will be elevated off the ground to protect tree roots, ensuring that our heritage-significant trees and animal enclosures remain undisturbed.”
The full scope of works for the project includes:
- Contemporary Zoo entrance with multipurpose building for both Council and community use.
- New public amenities block with 13 fixtures and amenities accessed from both within the zoo and the Botanic Gardens.
- Series of reptile enclosures built into the multipurpose building wall to provide an attraction for visitors to the site and to showcase some of the native and exotic reptiles the Zoo has to offer.
- Gathering space and plaza courtyard for pre and post visitation experiences.
- New footpaths, digital interactive displays, interpretive signage, wayfinding signage, and drinking fountains.
- Hard and soft landscaping.
- Significant roof structure to provide shade.
Works on the project will continue with the construction of the steel structure for the Visitor Hub and fit out of the amenities expected as the next steps.
The new entrance and zoo visitor hub received $1.5 million from the Australian Government with the remaining funding contributed through Rockhampton Regional Council’s Capital Works program.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2025.