Public ‘horrified’ Begonia House still on the chopping block

Friday, 29 November 2024

Wellington City Council’s current funding plan allocates $8.1m to demolish Begonia House and retain the café. A proposal for repairs was narrowly defeated on Tuesday.

After widespread public outrage at the proposal, prominent councillors and a community group are vowing to fight on.

The public will be able to have its say before the council makes its final call in May.

As demolition looms over Begonia House, public figures have vowed to keep fighting.

The 60-year-old building – which houses exotic plants such as the famous Mr Stinky – is badly in need of repairs at a time when the council is tightening its belt. A full refurbishment could cost up to $25 million, including inflation.

The council funding plan recommends Begonia House be demolished instead, leaving behind the café, which could cost an estimated $8.1m.

Mazz Scannell, president of the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden, is “drawing up [her] battle plans” to save the iconic glasshouse.

Scannell told councillors at a meeting this week that many residents were “horrified” by the prospect Begonia House could be torn down. Later, the council voted against a proposal to retain cash for repairs.

“I don’t think they care about Wellington,” Scannell said. “Begonia House is a big part of Wellington.”

Council is underestimating the depth of support for Begonia House, Scannell said.

“I have a colossal amount of the country behind me… I’ve had people approach me, going: When are we going doing this sit in?”

Councillor Iona Pannett tried to get $5.1m for Begonia House repairs reinstated in the long-term plan on Tuesday, to buy the venue some extra time.

Hundreds of Wellingtonians had contacted her, she told Stuff, expressing their “strong feelings” about the demolition proposal. She’s committed to the ongoing fight to save the glasshouse – a battle she thinks could succeed.

“I am quite confident, in this case because there is so much support.”

Pannett’s proposal was narrowly defeated after mayor Tory Whanau, deputy mayor Laurie Foon and eight other councillors voted against it.

Whanau said Begonia House was “well loved by many people”, but difficult decisions had to be made.

“I would prefer we focus on supporting the rest of our beautiful botanic gardens, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and Zealandia that showcase our unique native plants and bird life for visitors.”

Council formally requested officers to report on repair options.

Backlash followed the news earlier this month that the glasshouse faced the chopping block.

Councillor Nicola Young told her peers at Tuesday’s meeting that the response had been overwhelming. “In my 11 years on council, I have never received as many emails as I have on this issue.”

She, like many Wellingtonians, had fond memories of the glasshouse. “Once gone, it will never be replaced.”

On Tuesday, councillor Diane Calvert said council “can’t just spring this on people… in this way”.

It was disrespectful to decide the fate of a landmark like Begonia House by “shov[ing] something down as part of a budget line”, she told Stuff.

At the meeting, councillor Ray Chung said the move was “an affront to Wellingtonians”. He believed that the building could be saved using private investment.

Pannett said Wellington residents had offered to contribute, though she thought council investment will be needed. But she believes Begonia House could be saved for less than the cost of a full refurbishment.

After a further meeting, the council will seek public feedback on the package of funding decisions that was passed at this week’s meeting – including the proposal to fund the demolition of Begonia House.

Councillors will make the final decision in May.

“The public will have a formal chance to have a say,” Pannett said. “I’m expecting that they will be very vocal.”