Birmingham Botanical Gardens: Major proposals are 'last chance' to save historic attraction

Those behind the proposals have said the project will deliver a long-term sustainable future for the gardens, a 15-acre site in Edgbaston that boasts more than 10,000 plants.

As part of the plans, four Victorian glasshouses would be restored to reflect their original form and adapted to serve “contemporary horticultural needs”.

According to a recently-submitted planning application, proposals also include a new visitors centre with a cafe and shop, a new central courtyard, a building for events, alterations to the existing car parking layout and more.

“Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ rich, uniquely biodiverse natural environment is one of the UK’s most significant historic botanic gardens,” the design and access statement for the plans reads.

“Since 1829, it has been devoted to conservation, growing plant diversity and public  understanding – a purpose vital to earth’s survival.”

However, it goes on to say that the gardens and glasshouses urgently require “major investment” in order to be safeguarded for another 200 years.

“In addition, the operation requires investment to meet contemporary visitor expectations and to enable sustainable business growth,” the document adds.

Sara Blair-Manning, CEO of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, said: “This is the last chance to save Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

“The gardens offer a rich, uniquely biodiverse natural environment, one mile from Birmingham city centre, and we know, through consultation, that they are hugely treasured by the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands.”

She continued: “The gardens need urgent and extensive restoration and repairs and are considered at risk by Historic England.

“A successful project will mean that the gardens can continue to connect people with culture, heritage and nature in a large urban metropolis.”

Sandeep Shambi, partner at Howells, added: “We are delighted to have submitted plans for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens which is one of the last independent botanical gardens in the UK.

“It’s vitally important that this important heritage asset is conserved but also given space to develop.”

Howells has said it is working in collaboration with conservation specialists and historic buildings consultants Donald Insall Associates.

Matthew Vaughan, practice director at Donald Insall Associates, said the gardens are a “landmark” for their historic buildings as well as their living collection of rare species from across the globe.

“Conservation of the glasshouses to respond to these particular heritage considerations will be a key challenge, protecting the historic fabric while enhancing their performance for the needs of the collection within,” he said.

The project has been supported by a Stage 1 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.