Central Deborah Gold Mine

In November 2016 a Masterplan and Business Case for the revitalisation of the Central Deborah Gold Mine was undertaken. The report provided a vision for the future of the surface experience as a contemporary visitor facility with a new entry, activities, function and event space building. The visitor facility is a long-term goal and in 2023 THLA was engaged to provide comprehensive landscape concept plans for the outdoor areas of the site.

The landscape project focused on the outdoor surface experience of the site. The existing space includes beautiful large Eucalypt trees providing excellent shade,however a large rock-lined creek was restricting usable space.

The project outcomes included development of a flexible gathering space that complements the underground experience by focusing on the Gold Rush era for school and family groups before or after tours and spaces that could be used for public or private events. Features of the design included:

• Large lawn / open areas area to provide multi-purpose spaces
• Creek bed upgrade including re-lining creek, new pumps / pipework, more suitable rocks / improved access to water 
• New seating / terrace area for presentations / performances
• Gold panning & gold detecting area
• New bridge over the creek
• Retention of large existing Eucalyptus trees
• Upgrading of pavement surfaces
• Seating / gathering spaces
• Design of boundary fencing proposals to limited views into and out of the site.