Winter garden makeover continues

Testing a wind switch which will eventually control the opening and closing of panels on the roof of the Dunedin Botanic Garden's winter garden this week is Otago Electrical and Communications electrician Matt Chittock.

The 110-year-old Edwardian glasshouse is undergoing a $591,000 refurbishment to improve both its appearance and environmental conditions inside.

Work includes replacing the glass, repairing window frames, doors and the outer metal structure, painting, drainage and mechanical upgrades of the louvre control to maintain desired heat and humidity inside.

Dunedin City Council parks and recreation group manager Robert West said glass from the east and west wings had been removed and timber was replaced or repainted where needed.

Work had begun on the central part of the building and the main part of the refurbishment was on track to be completed by the end of the year.