The institution has drawn up plans for a new eco-friendly energy centre and a plant health suite to replace its existing nursery facilities.

Plans for the project have been revealed at a time when the garden’s existing glasshouse facilities - including both the Grade A listed Victorian Palm Houses, and 1960’s visitor and research Glasshouses - require extensive refurbishment. It will ensure the glasshouses continue to provide a safe environment for the garden’s plant collection.

The first phase will involve the creation of a new, efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable energy centre, and state-of-the-art plant health suite to replace its existing facilities at the nursery to the north of the main garden. The new plant health suite will provide a safe propagation environment. The new energy centre will introduce ground source heat pumps which, coupled with new low heat loss pipework, will reduce the carbon footprint of the glasshouses by 12%.

Comprising of over 13,500 plant species, RBGE’s collection includes many plants that are endangered or extinct in their native habitats.

RBGE received initial funding from the Scottish Government to take the project to planning permission stage and continues to work with ministers on the next stage which will also include a major fund-raising appeal.

If approved, Edinburgh Biomes would be delivered across a staged build to allow for the decanting and relocation of seasonally sensitive plants over several years.