Executive Director of the Nature Preservation Foundation Karl Binger. - File

Susan Gordon, Business Reporter

The $360 million that Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF) is investing in the redevelopment of Kingston's Royal Botanical Gardens and Zoo (Hope Gardens) into a tourist attraction will diversify its income streams, but will not turn enough revenue to make a profit, says the group.

NPF is transforming the 230-acre property under comprehensive plans that include the construction of a sunken garden, complemented with shopping and entertainment.

That facility, plus a nursery, are touted as potentially big revenue earners for the public gardens, according to executive director Karl Binger.

The nursery project is being financed by the European Union.

"We will have gift shops, caf?s and the works, and we hope to use the sunken gardens for major events and weddings," Binger told Wednesday Business. "This will be our major money earner."

He said, however, that the projected earnings would not allowHope Gardens to turn a profit.

"We can't charge for entry for the zoo, but we are open to contributions," Binger told Wednesday Business.

Coming attractions

A Thunbergia vine grows over a bridge near a lily pond at Hope Gardens, Kingston. - Rita Elliott photo

Of the $360 million budgeted for Hope Gardens' transformation, $61 million will be used this year to build out a crocodile enclosure, develop an aviary, redesign the fountain and build a shell stand, by year-end.

The shell stand was to be opened this week on Palm Avenue in the gardens. The crocodile stand will give patrons a chance to view activities beneath the creature's belly.

The Scientific Research Council is assisting with tissue culture.

In 2002, three years after public outcry forced government to back down from a decision to allow housing development on 8.5 hectares at the western end of the expansive estate, Cabinet approved the establishment of a foundation to develop and manage the Hope Estates.

In 2005, NPF was granted a 49-year lease on the property.

As part of the deal it has with the government, NPF gets a $31 million subvention to assist with operational expenses.

Growth

But, according to Binger, NPF's $51 million budget to run the facility has since grown to $61 million. To fill the gap, it relies mostly on corporate goodwill.

Since it took control of the estate, the foundation has raised $40 million from company and individual sponsors, said Binger.

NPF is now hoping that a wellness festival, 'Wellfest' to be staged at the Hope Gardens in April, will showcase the property and attract greater corporate beneficence.

In the meantime, the executive says the zoo which covers 17 acres to 60 acres is being redesigned. The new plans include a Jamaica paradise for endemic creatures; an 'old world' section featuring animals from Africa; and a 'new world' of creatures endemic to North and South America.

The foundation is targeting five times the current 50,000 visitors to the zoo per year after the first phase of expansion.

"So we are working on phase one now," said the executive director.

susan.gordon@gleanerjm.com