Kew Gardens Capital Programme is a significant programme of works designed to secure the sustainable future of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBGK). We are part of a team of specialists helping to deliver this, which also includes landscape designers and ecologists from LUC.

RBGK is particularly sensitive to development. It is a World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Park and Garden; containing a conservation area, scheduled ancient monuments and a range of listed buildings. In addition, the site lies within Metropolitan Open Land and supports numerous protected species. As well as being one of the country’s top visitor attractions, RBGK is renowned for its contribution to scientific research and education, housing the most significant collection of living and preserved plants in the world.

LUC provides all planning advice to the delivery team and contractors. This includes pre-application advice; technical consultations; assembling planning applications; and discharging conditions. The programme includes a wide range of projects, encompassing new buildings, spaces, infrastructure and events, including important activities such as Christmas at Kew.

To date, LUC’s planners and ecologists have secured planning permission for several projects on behalf of Kew including the replacement Pavilion Restaurant. We produced a Historic Building Report, Planning Statement and advised on protected species in support of the pavilion application. The proposed scheme will replace the old restaurant with a new high-quality contemporary structure which will positively contribute to the economic vitality and the long-term conservation of the Gardens.