Biome Project
Public Submissions Summary Report
Client:
Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Date:
3 February 2015
Draft
Contact:
Brendan Blakeley
[email protected]
02 9387 2600
Sydney
02 9387 2600
Level 6
332-342 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
www.elton.com.au
[email protected]
Sydney | Canberra | Darwin
ABN 56 003 853 101
Prepared by
James Fryer
Reviewed by
Lucy Greig and Brendan Blakeley
Date
3 February 2015
Document name
Biome Project
Version
Draft
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
5
1
PARTICIPANT PROFILE – BIOME SURVEY
6
1.1
Visitor status
6
1.2
Age cohort
6
1.3
Gender
7
1.4
Household income
7
1.5
Education
7
1.6
How did you find out about the proposal for the Biome?
8
1.7
How often have you visited the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney in the last 12
months?
9
2
SURVEY RESULTS
10
2.1
How satisfied are you with the Biome proposal?
10
2.2
Are there any particular issues you think need to be considered in planning for
the Biome?
12
2.3
Do you have any other ideas or suggestions for the Biome?
12
2.4
Do you think the Biome will help to enhance visitors’ experience of the Royal
Botanic Garden, Sydney?
14
2.5
Do you think Sydney should have an international quality horticultural display
centre?
14
3
PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS
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Appendix A: Online survey tool
Executive summary
The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust (the Trust) conducted an online survey seeking
public feedback on the proposed Biome project. This report documents feedback from a total of 29
members of the public who participated in an online survey. The survey was available on the
Trust’s website during the public exhibition period for the Development Application for the Biome
project – from 2 December 2014 to 12 January 2015. A small number of formal submissions were
made directly to the City of Sydney during the exhibition period, and a summary of the key issues
raised in submissions is also contained in this report.
Public response to the Biome proposal was overwhelmingly positive, with at least 75% of survey
respondents (21) indicating their support for all aspects of the proposal – from its visual appeal,
accessibility and amenity – to its proposed scale, heritage approach, horticultural and educational
capacities. Importantly, the vast majority of respondents (28) believed that Sydney should have an
international quality horticultural display centre. Furthermore, most respondents (25) felt that the
Biome proposal would improve the Royal Botanic Gardens’ visitor experience.
However, the Biome proposal also attracted a small number of respondents who were ‘unsatisfied’
or ‘very unsatisfied’. Several identified considerations for the design and practical functioning of
the Biome as particularly important considerations in planning for the project. Participants called
for a sustainable design that provides a flexible space for horticultural displays and promotes
resource efficiency. Appropriate climate control was viewed as essential for a Biome capable of
hosting a variety of plants from diverse climes.
While 96% of respondents (26) believed the proposal would provide easy access for all visitors
(including people with disabilities, older people and parents with strollers), a couple of participants
commented on: the specific needs of vision-impaired patrons; and the need for improved disability
access via nearby entry points. A number of respondents expressed a desire for the Biome to be a
publically accessible facility, with limitations on its use for private functions and events.
Other considerations focussed on attracting visitors and enhancing the visitor experience.
The survey sample size (29 respondents in total) should be noted when reading this report. For
further details of survey responses please refer to Section 2 of this report. Three submissions were
received by the City of Sydney regarding the Biome. For a summary of the issues raised in
submissions see Section 3 of this report.
This report has been prepared for the Trust by Elton Consulting. Community feedback will be
considered by the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust as part of the next steps in planning
for the Biome.
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1
Participant profile – Biome
survey
1.1
Visitor status
3.6%
3.6%
Resident of the
surrounding area
10.7%
32.1%
Resident of wider Sydney
metropolitan area
Resident of wider NSW
Interstate visitor
50.0%
International visitor
Half of the 28 respondents who answered this question were residents of the wider Sydney
metropolitan area (14). Just under a third (9) were residents from the surrounding area –
incorporating Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst and Woolloomooloo. One interstate visitor responded to
the survey. There were no residents of wider NSW or international visitors who participated in the
survey.
1.2
Age cohort
3.6%
14.3%
Under 18
19-25
39.3%
26-35
36-55
42.9%
56-65
66+
The majority of survey respondents (12) were aged 36-55 years, followed closely by respondents
aged 26-35 (11). Another four participants were aged 56-65 years and one was aged 19-25.
Younger participants (under 18) and older age cohorts (66+) were not represented.
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1.3
Gender
42.9%
Male
57.1%
Female
Sixteen male participants and 12 female participants responded to the survey.
1.4
Household income
All participants skipped this question.
1.5
Education
All participants skipped this question.
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1.6
How did you find out about the proposal for the
Biome?
Biome project display
23.1%
46.2%
3.8%
Royal Botanic Garden,
Sydney website
City of Sydney Council
Media
26.9%
Word of mouth
The majority of respondents found out about the Biome proposal through word of mouth (46.2%,
12). The Royal Botanic Gardens website (23.1%, 6) and other media sources (26.9%, 7) were also
nominated by respondents in almost equal measure. Ohers learnt about the Biome proposal
through the City of Sydney (Council) (1), Facebook (1), and the Trust (1). It is noted that all
survey respondents reported finding out about the proposal through methods other than the
project display.
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1.7
How often have you visited the Royal Botanic
Garden, Sydney in the last 12 months?
21.4%
14.3%
Weekly or more often
25.0%
Every few weeks to a
month
Several times
39.3%
Once or less
60% of respondents had visited the Royal Botanic Garden more than once in the last year. The
majority of respondents visited the Royal Botanic Garden several times in the last year (39.3%.
11). A quarter of respondents (7) had visited the Royal Botanic Garden every few weeks to a
month, and 14.3% of respondents (4) visited the Garden weekly or more often.
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2
Survey results
2.1
How satisfied are you with the Biome proposal?
Figure 1
Respondent satisfaction with aspects of biome proposal
30
1
25
2
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
20
1
3
6
1
1
2
Not sure / Don’t know
1
2
Very unsatisfied
9
6
10
9
8
Unsatisfied
9
15
Neither satisfied nor
unsatisfied
10
18
17
13
13
14
5
17
Satisfied
12
Very satisfied
0
Visual appeal
10
Scale
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Heritage
Horticultural
displays
Education and
learning
Accessibility
Amenity
Table 1
How satisfied are you with the Biome proposal?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neither satisfied
nor unsatisfied
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Unsure
Visual appeal
18
6
0
0
3
1
Appropriate scale for the site and surrounding
landscape
13
10
3
0
2
0
Respects the heritage of the site
13
8
3
0
2
1
Provides suitable spaces for horticultural displays
14
9
1
2
1
1
Provides suitable spaces for educational displays and
learning
12
9
3
2
1
1
Provides easy access for all visitors including people
with disabilities, older people and parents with
strollers
17
9
0
0
1
1
Provides suitable amenities (including entry foyer and
public toilets) for all visitors
17
6
2
0
1
2
Overall, public response to the Biome proposal was very positive. Respondents were generally ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with all aspects of the Biome proposal – from its
visual appeal, accessibility and amenity – to its proposed scale, heritage approach, horticultural and educational capacities. However, each aspect of the proposal also
attracted a small number of respondents who were ‘unsatisfied’ or ‘very unsatisfied’.
96.3% of respondents (26) were satisfied that the Biome proposal would provide easy access for all visitors. The visual appeal of the Biome attracted the most mixed
responses. While 24 respondents were very satisfied or satisfied, a small number (3) were very unsatisfied with the Biome’s proposed appearance.
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2.2
Are there any particular issues you think need
to be considered in planning for the Biome?
A total of 11 respondents identified particular issues for consideration in planning for the Biome.
These focused on considerations for the design and practical functioning of the Biome, ensuring
the Biome is publically accessible, and maintaining horticulture as the primary focus of the Biome.
Considerations for design and functioning of the Biome
» The Biome should not consider form over function. The new glasshouse should be designed
based on the needs of plants and their maintenance, to avoid the problems experienced with
the existing Arc – such as difficulty growing plants in warmer sections of the facility. In
particular, appropriate temperature, humidity and shade controls are required to enable plant
growth and diverse species, such as “low-land rainforest to desert plantings”. Ensure the Biome
is not “a very hot, glary space”.
» The Biome should incorporate environmentally sensitive design including water and waste
recycling.
» Design of the Biome must consider the needs of people with a disability as a priority – including
the specific needs of vision impaired visitors: “Needs to be met for all senses - smell, touch,
etc.”
» Retain / incorporate the existing pyramid into the new design for the Biome.
» Replacement of the “ageing and under-spec pyramid” with “a thoughtfully designed and
beautiful new hub for the gardens” is great.
» Retain the circular space [around the Biome] as green space.
» The new Biome could be larger to provide “more space for horticulture and education/events”.
» Ensure the Biome can accommodate "rotating" or "flexible" displays, and the related backup
facilities. Also ensure that the requisite human resources are available to support rotating
displays and a sustainable facility.
Public accessibility
» The Biome should remain open to the general public.
» Limit private events such as parties, corporate events and weddings.
» Improve entry via Moorshead Gate, particularly for people with a disability.
Continued focus on horticulture / appropriate uses
» Horticulture must remain the primary focus of the new Biome. It should only be used during the
day and “not become a function centre for weddings or corporate events”.
2.3
Do you have any other ideas or suggestions for
the Biome?
Eight respondents provided other ideas or suggestions for the Biome. These ranged from
suggestions about the design and location of the Biome, to ideas for displays and public programs,
and wider communications.
Design and location
» Showcase the Biome in a more prominent location – by rejoining the Botanic Garden across the
land bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Road to Shakespeare Place, and integrating the project into a
“new civic space” including the Art Gallery of NSW’s Sydney Modern proposal and the new
Herbarium.
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» The design of the Biome should be “impressive” in order to “win over” people who like the old
Pyramid. The Biome should retain the positive aspects of the existing Arc such as its pleasant
landscaping and “wonderful plants”. It should not become “dumbed down” or “another boring
functions space”.
» Ensure the design is large enough to accommodate displays and appropriate access, unlike the
pyramid it is replacing. It may need to be higher than seven metres to accommodate “trees and
the like that provide scale and wow factor”. Ensure the design provides good accessibility for
machinery. Appoint a glasshouse construction expert, rather than a commercial builder.
Importantly, ensure the design is driven by the type of plants being grown, not the architect.
The Biome should be less “understated” if it is to attract visitors.
Displays and public programs
» Include worm farming as part of the proposal.
» Incorporate interactive boards / displays into the Biome to appeal to visitors – including
overseas visitors and children.
» The Biome should incorporate a mix of “permanent plantings” and “plants that are moved in as
they come into flower” to attract interest. Adequate funds should be made available for plant
collections and interpretation. The plans should be discussed with the horticulturalists who will
be responsible for maintaining the building “to address any potential issues with accessibility,
practical usage etc so that the RBG does not end up with a building that cannot grow the plants
intended or facilitate other uses as intended”.
» More activities to enhance the Garden as a place in Sydney life would be great – such as more
public outreach and events and displays targeting people other than children and older people
eg tours, exposes of botanical science.
Communications
» Change the name – “it should not be called Biome as it will be used for flexible horticultural
display. No biomes will be exhibited. The title causes confusion.”
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2.4
Do you think the Biome will help to enhance
visitors’ experience of the Royal Botanic
Garden, Sydney?
3.6%
7.1%
Yes
No
Not Sure
89.3%
The majority of respondents (89.3%, 25) thought the Biome would help to enhance visitors’
experience of the Royal Botanic Garden. One respondent did not answer this question and two
respondents were unsure about whether the Biome would enhance the visitor experience.
2.5
Do you think Sydney should have an
international quality horticultural display centre?
Of the 28 respondents who answered this question, all thought that Sydney should have an
international quality horticultural display centre.
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Public submissions
A total of three submissions were received by the City of Sydney during the public exhibition period
for the Biome Development Application – one in support of the Biome project and two objecting to
the proposal.
In summary, the objections related to:
» Activities taking place in the park overall
» Specific aspects of the Biome proposal, including:
> The project site boundary
> Two new paths in the lower Palace Garden
> Plant enclosure – plant should be located in the central depot
> A new access gate
> New service access
The objections describe these elements as being unnecessary or too large.
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Appendix A: Online survey tool
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Appendix
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