Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters MP visited the BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park last Thursday to announce their successful grant of $90,420 to build a business hub.
Park Manager Claire Height took over the tourist park 14 years ago, upgrading and expanding the three-hectare park which now includes 90 sites, bell tent, safari tents and a glamtainer with a views across the creek to the Botanical Gardens and a newly planted sensory garden with indigenous bush tucker.
Claire has seen an increase of approximately 40 per cent in visitor numbers since COVID with a significant increase in digital nomads between the age of 25 and 45.
“We’re getting a lot of people that work from home and live in the inner city of Melbourne,” Claire said.
“The business hub will be a nice space with screens, printers and a coffee machine – a quiet place for people to work or plan their journeys.”
The building, which is being constructed off site, has been designed to fit within the surrounding landscape and to incorporate the heritage trees on site.
“It’s a gorgeous area of the park so the design incorporates the scenery with skylights, windows and a wide deck,” Claire said.
The facility is expected to be operational by May 2024 and will be available to hire for business conferences or community groups.
Ms Chesters said caravan parks are one of the most popular holiday accommodation choices, particularly for families, budget-conscious travellers and travellers that want to get off the beaten track.
“I congratulate BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens on their success through this program. Building a business centre will add value to the park, helping to attract new people and add to people’s experience,” she said.