7:53 am today

'Sit in' protest at Wellington's Begonia House

From Saturday Morning, 7:53 am today
Begonia House in Wellington's botanical gardens

Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A 'sit in' at the Begonia House is taking place tomorrow morning to protest its possible demolition.

Wellington City Council has identified the Botanic Gardens' iconic building as an unsafe public space.  

It's being considered for demolition in the council's long-term plan, with no replacement planned.

Friends of Wellington's Botanic Gardens believe they can renew the building for under $3 million and have a petition on the go to save it, currently standing at more than 7000 signatures. 

Beloved by Wellington locals and visitors, the Begonia House and cafe was built in 1960 to house exotic plants and is used for events such as weddings.

Mazz Scannell is the president of the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden.