Glasshouses to be restored in gardens' £19m revamp

Victorian glasshouses will be restored as part of a major revamp at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) after more than £9m was awarded to the project.

BBG said the award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund meant more than 90% of funding was now in place for the £19.4m restoration and fundraising was under way to find the rest of the cash.

The scheme to improve the Grade II-listed structures, along with visitor facilities, will take place over the next four and a half years.

Chairman of BBG Sue Beardsmore said without intervention, the "iconic" glasshouses that had been identified by Historic England as being at risk would have had to close within two years.

She said the "vital and timely" funding would ensure urgently-needed repairs and restorations were carried out to secure the future of the historic gardens, and the glasshouses would be "carefully restored to the original designs".

More than 30,000 plants are cared for at the 15-acre site, which opened to the public in 1832.

"This safe, peaceful space is part of the green heart of Birmingham and a hugely treasured place to the city," Ms Beardsmore said.

She added that as the gardens approached their bicentenary, the organisation could ensure the green space could be researched, shared and enjoyed by everyone for the next 200 years.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.