Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The begonia house in Wellington's Botanic Gardens has been given a second chance at survival.
Mayor Tory Whanau said in a statement that she had seen the strong support and fundraising efforts to keep it open, and would introduce an amendment at Thursday's council meeting which would set keeping it open as the council's preferred option.
The greenhouse faced demolition as the council sought to save money as part of its long-term plan amendment.
Built in 1960, it contains exotic plants and is used for events such as weddings.
Advocates staged a "sit-in" protest earlier this month.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden president Mazz Scannell told RNZ's Saturday Morning that the begonia house was a "generational conservatory."
"When you have a building that is the second most visited building in Wellington, you've got to ask big questions about why you would want to knock it down."
Whanau said today the council would work to identify possible savings elsewhere in its budget to offset the cost.
"We will still be seeking community input on the future of Begonia House in March/April 2025," Whanau said.
"There is still an option in the consultation document to demolish if that is what locals wish to see. I encourage everyone to have their say before a final decision is made in June."
The agenda for tomorrow's meeting shows it would cost the council $5.6 million to demolish the building, which also factored in the cost of building a new cafe and toilets.
Two glass panes at Wellington Botanic Garden's Begonia House were dislodged by strong winds on 25 April, 2024. Photo: Facebook / Wellington Gardens
The option of doing the bare minimum to keep it open was estimated to cost was $11m, and would include repairing the building's frame, demolishing the outer buildings and providing alternative staff facilities, replacing the roof and wall glazing with single glazing, and installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
A more extensive repair option would cost $20m, and include double glazing, improvements to the driveway, and a new retaining wall.
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