A safer and more welcoming entrance for the Peter Black Conservatory

Published on 13 August 2025

We’re upgrading the lath house, the shaded entranceway to the Peter Black Conservatory at Victoria Esplanade. The upgrade will make it safer, more accessible, and fit for the future.

The current structure has done its job for many years but has now reached the end of its life. To keep everyone safe, we need to rebuild it. That means the conservatory will be closed to the public from now until the end of November while the work is carried out.

Parks and Reserves Manager Kathy Dever-Tod says this is an important project for the space and for visitors.

“While the structure has served us well, it’s definitely due for some love,” says Kathy. “We’re rebuilding it so it’s safe, strong, and more accessible – especially for people with wheelchairs, walkers or prams. We’ll be laying new concrete paths that are smoother and easier to move around on.”  

As part of the work, we’ll also be creating a new home for the city’s bonsai collection. Specimens from this unique collection which was gifted from the John Birch estate, will be displayed inside the new lath house once it’s complete.

During this construction period, all the plants inside are being carefully looked after at our nursery. They’ll be back when the new entrance is ready to welcome visitors again.

“We know how much people love this space,” says Kathy. “We’re looking forward to reopening it with a much-improved entrance that’s safer, stronger and easier for everyone to enjoy.”