The Victorian Palmhouses

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, home to over 13,500 plant species - including many that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats - faced the pressing need to restore its ageing glasshouse infrastructure. The Victorian Palm Houses and 1960s Front Range glasshouses, both Category A Listed structures, were deteriorating, threatening the safety of the plant collections and the continuation of vital research and conservation work. The challenge was to undertake a comprehensive restoration that would preserve these historic buildings, protect the invaluable plant collections, and enhance the Garden's role as a centre for education and biodiversity conservation.

G&T is delivering Cost Management services for this ambitious restoration and redevelopment. The Edinburgh Biomes project includes the refurbishment of historic glasshouses, a new energy centre powered by ground source heat pumps to cut carbon emissions, and a cutting-edge plant health hub for bio-secure propagation. We have overseen enabling works such as hoarding, tree protection, and rootbridge safeguarding, as well as installing a new below-ground infrastructure network - comprising district heating, high and low voltage electricity, gas and water mains, and extended communications systems. Our cost management expertise is key to balancing heritage preservation with modern sustainability targets.

The Edinburgh Biomes programme of work is scheduled to run until 2036 and represents the most significant development in the Garden's 350-year history, securing the future of its globally important plant collections and research facilities. The restored glasshouses will continue to provide a safe environment for thousands of plant species, while the new energy centre and plant health hub will enhance the Garden's sustainability and biosecurity. G&T's role in cost management will ensure the project's financial viability, contributing to the successful preservation of a living legacy for future generations.