The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has appointed GRAHAM Construction as sole contractor to deliver £50m of works at its world famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over a five-year programme valued at £5m to £10m per year, GRAHAM will deliver projects including new builds, refurbishment of historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, as well as the repair and replacement of M&E systems.
GRAHAM will also deliver roof repairs at the Grade I listed Mansion at Kew’s sister estate, Wakehurst, in Sussex.
The ‘Kew Capital Development Programme’ was established to make significant upgrades to the estate and reflects its vision for the next 10 years. Key areas where the works will be delivered include The Herbarium, Palm and Water Lily Houses, Pavilion, Arboretum Nursey, and the Family Landscape Area.
The success of the programme will require innovative approaches to the delivery and control of projects in order to ensure smooth continuity of the estate, including protection of the collections, uninterrupted public access to the gardens, and maintenance of horticultural and scientific activities.
Rob Joyce, GRAHAM Construction’s London office Director, said: “The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a much-loved destination for visitors and tourists and we are committed to delivering the estate’s vision in order to guarantee its long-term future and success.
"Through our experience of working within heritage environments, we have the ability and expertise to deliver these works in a sensitive manner and to the highest quality.”
In addition to RBG Kew’s own staff and consultants, the team delivering the project also includes Donal Insall Architects (masterplanning), Ryder Architects (lead architect), and Mott MacDonald (Multi-Discipline Consultancy). Works will start on site in May 2017 with sectional completions expected over the next five years.
