The first phase works of a major development project will be started by Balfour Beatty. This seven-year project at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RGBE) has entered into a pre-construction agreement to begin work on the Edinburgh Biomes initiative.
The works include an energy centre, plant health centre, and associated infrastructure. Construction works are set to begin in the autumn as Balfour Beatty will carry out pre-construction activity over the spring and summer.
A major contribution was made by the Scottish government for the costs of the first five years of the seven-year project. This comes by providing £58m of funding, of which £50m is from the Low Carbon Fund.
The project secured planning permission in 2019. The development is in step with the changes required to achieve the goal of making Scotland net-zero by 2045. Restoration of public glasshouses will be at the heart of Edinburgh Biomes.
The operation is already under way to decant plant material in preparation for the works. Collectively, the works are designed to enhance RBGE’s contribution to addressing the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.
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