Image: A CGI visualisation of the glasshouses, by Howells
Project 90% funded to restore Victorian glasshouses at risk of closure, with 30,000 plants to be conserved and new facilities for 25,000 pupils yearly.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) has secured a multi-million investment toward its restoration project, Growing Our Green Heritage.
The recently awarded £9m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund means the project is now more than 90% toward its £19.4m goal.
Over the next four and a half years, the project will restore the Gardens’ Grade II* listed glasshouses, carrying out urgently needed repairs and restorations. It will also enhance visitor infrastructure and amenities, and improve the site’s sustainability.
The Victorian glasshouses had been identified as at risk by Historic England, and would have faced closure within two years, BBG said.
The project will allow its 30,000 plants of unique scientific and heritage significance to be conserved without the glasshouse.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Chair, Sue Beardsmore said “As we approach our Bicentenary, we can now ensure that BBG, the unique Living Collection and tangible and intangible heritage of this ‘miracle green space’ can be researched, shared and enjoyed by everyone for the next 200 years”.
Previous pledges of support for the project include £8m from The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Julia Rausing Trust, The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust and others.
The wider project will see new outdoor learning facilities welcoming an expected 25,000 school children each year, a new Engagement and Learning programme.
BGG said “new multi-voiced, co-created heritage interpretation, representing the perspectives of Birmingham’s communities, will be woven throughout the site, better reflecting the Gardens’ special place in Birmingham’s history and its important role within the city today. “
Its existing café will be reused to create a visitor welcome building, including an expanded café overlooking the Gardens and a new reception, retail and plant sales area, contributing to long term financial sustainability.
