Over 12 months ago, Project Clutha Committee developed an idea to “make the main street of Balclutha more appealing to locals and tourists”. The concept involved the redevelopment of the gardens located at the Balclutha War Memorial Hall. This is also the location of the Balclutha Information centre, which makes it a key stopping point for tourists in the Clutha District.
Project Clutha Chairperson, Sarah Andrew said “The existing Gardens are traditional flower beds and require a lot of maintenance to look after. The soil was very dry and needed some new nutrients. We wanted to rejuvenate the gardens, and give them a bright new look.”
“We were very lucky as a member of our committee is also studying landscape design, so she was more than willing to present concepts, plans and costings to the Clutha District Council.”
The Council then conducted public consultation by advertising in newspapers asking for community feedback. With the majority of feedback being positive, they agreed to contribute some funding from their budget to this project. The remainder of the money has been raised through a grant received from Community Trust of Otago and our own fundraising from the Big River Festival, which we have held in February for the last two years on the banks of the Clutha River.
Stage one of the gardens was completed in April 2008. With the re-development of the three surrounding gardens at the side of the hall which were a trial for community feedback and design. These gardens have been well received and are growing well, feedback has been very positive and the maintenance needed for these gardens has been minimal.
The next stage will be carried out over two weekends. in November,
The style of the two remaining gardens will be similar to the newly redeveloped side gardens, with rocks, tussocks, shrubs and woodchips. Project Clutha will also be promoting the Clutha Country Branding by installing flagpoles which will be fly Clutha Country banners and within the garden and a fantastic sculpture made out of weathered metal depicting the friendly hand of the Clutha District.
The committee are looking forward to working in with Big River Promotions, who will be erecting the new Christmas tree around the same time, so by December the main st frontage of the Memorial hall will look very impressive with a whole new look for 2008.
