Pavilion to be unveiled at the Botanics

Published on Tuesday 29 July 2008 10:40

A NEW visitor pavilion to help keep the public up to date with progress on the Royal Botanic Garden's new multi-million pound visitor centre is set be unveiled tomorrow.

The new 16 million John Hope Gateway visitor centre is aimed at communicating science on all levels to the public.

The centre, named after John Hope, the Regius Keeper and King's Botanist from 1761–1786, is designed to be as sustainable as possible, with wind turbines, a biomass boiler and rainwater collection.

It is due to open to the public in spring 2009.

To keep visitors aware of how work is progressing, the attraction decided to create the information area or 'viewing chalet'.

The Gateway building will include a massive glass wall to give visitors the impression of being outside in the garden.

There will be live video links with scientists working on conservation projects in 40 countries, as well as displays of rare and endangered plants from around the world.

It will also include displays on environmental issues, climate change and biodiversity.