Woolmers Estate chairman Peter Rae described Nigel Peck as an “extraordinary man and philanthropist” at the opening of a new visitor’s centre built in his namesake.
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The Nigel Peck Centre was officially opened at Woolmers on Thursday by Premier Will Hodgman, after Mr Rae paid his respects to his deceased friend Mr Peck.
Mr Peck’s son and grandson, Thomas and Jackson, were in attendance at the opening ceremony of the centre.
“[Mr Peck] was one of the most marvellous men I ever met,” Mr Rae said.
“He was a person who had always kept his vigour and enthusiasm.
“He was a philanthropist and, he and his wife [Patricia], had extraordinary generosity.”’
The new $5.3 million centre will be used as a function and exhibition centre, while also acting as an information point for guests.
Mr Rae said it was important for the UNESCO World Heritage Site to find alternative ways to fund its expensive maintenance costs.
“We need to run other events to make money and one of those was the Festival of Roses, which has been very successful, but we need a lot more than that," he said.
“This centre should be able to provide a variety of things for people to have repeat visits.”
Construction on the new centre began 18 months ago and was completed last year.
Mr Peck, the great-great-grandson of Woolmers founder and patron Thomas Archer, contributed $3.5 million to the construction of the centre.
The rest of the balance was funded by the state government.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
