The brand new Botanic Gardens – Tanks Arts Centre Visitors Centre will officially open its doors to the public this weekend.

With its eye-catching reflective exterior, the structure has already been the focus of many a photo by visitors to the Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre.

“From next weekend, visitors will be able access the full experience of the new centre,” Mayor Val Schier said.

The centre will be fully open to the public as of 10am on Saturday 29 October.

“It features interpretive displays, a gift shop stocking quality items and you can even up (take) an up-close look at some native snakes,” Cr Schier said.

With the opening of the new visitors centre also comes a new schedule of Council-facilitated events and activities, including arts workshops, guest speakers and theme-based presentations.

The first will explore the theory of evolution with guest speaker Gary Wilson, a local botanist and photographer, on Saturday 5 November.

“This new centre opens up many possibilities for both educational activities and recreation,” Cr Schier said.

“I have no doubt this will become a well-used and well-recognised facility that will further enhance the Botanic Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre experience.”

The building includes 104 solar panels and has been constructed to use minimal lighting and air-conditioning.

The visitors centre will be open to the public 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2.30pm weekends. 

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