EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To enable this vision, investment into Kew’s science and horticultural facilities is required. While the Millennium Seed Bank represents a modern and strategic investment in science at Wakehurst - the aging greenhouses and plant nursery must be modernised as a core part of the capabilities of Kew. Located within the historic Hortus Conclusus (walled garden) the existing structures, dating back to the 1970s, are beyond their end of life and require vast amounts of energy and water use during the yearly cycle to support the plant growth inside. Replacing these structures with energy efficient and controllable greenhouses the proposed replacement facility will enable Kew to further capitalise on the capabilities of the Millennium Seed Bank and open new avenues for science and horticultural research.
In 2018 the RBG Kew’s strategic objective for Wakehurst was to be a ‘world-leading botanic garden’ which requires purpose and ambition beyond a local leisure market – an approach epitomised by the transformative and celebrated Millennium Seed Bank, constructed in 2000. Extending upon this strategic vision Wakehurst intends to position itself amongst the larger RGB Kew offer (including the Richmond site) with a focus on ‘Science and Education’ at the heart of Wakehurst’s purpose. Through physical and philosophical connection to Kew Science, Wakehurst can transcend its niche and shift from local to national, from attraction to exemplar.
AERIAL OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT HAVELOCK FARM
SKETCH VIEW OF DEVELOPMENT FROM THE WEST
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