The Clutha District Council is asking for the public to have its say on the future of Balclutha’s gardens.

Last year, Council’s District Assets Committee gave permission to Project Clutha to redevelop three gardens near the Balclutha War Memorial Hall. These gardens have been developed as trial gardens to gauge public opinion on Project Clutha’s proposals to redevelop most of the annual gardens in Balclutha and replace them with perennial plantings.

Manager District Assets, Jules Witt, said the group’s proposals include replacing the annual beds at the entrance to the Clutha Information Centre, Hospital Road, the Clyde/Glasgow street intersection, the entrance to Naish Park and at Centennial Avenue. Project Clutha was also proposing to develop new gardens near the entrance signs in north and south Balclutha.

Mr Witt said the group was proposing to undertake the work on a voluntary basis, with funding from outside sources meaning no additional impact on rates.

“We would encourage people to take a look at the trial gardens and let us know what they think. Do they like the new look, or would they like to see some or all of the annuals retained?” Mr Witt said.

More information on the proposal is available from the group’s website, www.projectclutha.co.nz, or by contacting Project Clutha Chairperson Sarah Andrew. A display board outlining the proposals is located the Clutha Information Centre. Submission forms are also available from the Information Centre, or for download below. Submissions should be made to the Clutha District Council, and close at 5pm on Friday 16 May 2008.

Information sheet and submission form on Project Clutha's proposal

Artist's impression of the proposed gardens outside the Clutha Information Centre