Palm House renovation project
We’re undertaking an ambitious project to conserve our iconic Palm House and Waterlily House.
About the project
Kew's much loved, iconic Palm House and Waterlily House are showing serious signs of deterioration and are not energy efficient. Without urgent work, the listed buildings and tropical plants they protect are at risk of being lost forever. We are transforming these Grade I and II glasshouses into the first net zero buildings of their kind, but time is running out.
While we continue to fundraise for the project, we have lined up an amazing team of world class experts using cutting-edge technology to sympathetically conserve these historic treasures and make them net zero. This includes replacing the heating, electrical and watering systems with innovative, sustainable solutions to support Kew’s goal of becoming climate positive by 2030.
What is net-zero carbon?
Achieving net-zero carbon means not adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than we take out. By 2030, as a whole organisation, we are aiming to store more carbon than we release – so that overall, our activities are climate positive.
Since the Palm House opened in 1848, the building has undergone regular restorations due to the impact of high humidity and poor ventilation on the structure. This ambitious renovation aims to transform the buildings into the first net zero heritage buildings of their kind. Our teams are working with leading conservation architects to ensure the significance and historic fabric of the Palm House are fully respected. The project will preserve the Victorian glasshouses for future generations and protect remarkable tropical plants that originate from some of the most threatened environments in the world.
Almost a third of the funds needed to safeguard these glasshouses for future generations have been raised, and RBG Kew is now calling for support.
Rehoming the plants
Kew’s skilled horticulturists have been planning and preparing for the movement of the plants in the Palm House for several years. In 2024, propagation of feasible plants began by taking cuttings and air layering. Some plants are being moved to other areas of the Gardens.
Some plants and propagated material will be carefully moved to a purpose-built Temporary Decant Glasshouse which has been built behind the Palm House. A Tropical Propagation Glasshouse has also been constructed behind the scenes, close to Kew’s Tropical Nursery. The team of Kew horticulturists will look after these plants until there is space for them to be returned to the newly renovated Palm House.
Some of the largest palms in the Palm House are the fastest growing and need felling and replanting on a relatively frequent basis, even outside of major renovations. We’re aiming to place plants in containers, propagate or replace the entire plant collection so everyone will be able to meet them again after the renovation.
As the Waterlily House is emptied annually each winter, the process of emptying this glasshouse will follow the same pattern. Cuttings will be taken, and plants will be propagated in Kew’s Tropical Nursery to ensure a large collection will be ready and waiting once the Waterlily House is renovated.
Visiting the Palm House
The renovation of the Palm House is likely to begin in 2027, so there is plenty of time to visit the glasshouse before its temporary closure.
While it remains open for you to enjoy, you might notice some changes in the Palm House as our expert horticulturists prepare the plants for the renovation.
Keep an eye out for signage around the glasshouse explaining the work our horticulturists are doing at the time of your visit.
The Waterlily House is now closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in 2027.
Palm House
Waterlily House
Project timeline
A full timeline of the Palm House renovation is still being completed and is dependent upon funding, however, here are some of the expected dates for key developments to look forward to.
In July 2025, designs for the new glasshouses were finalised and planning application was submitted to Richmond Council.
Pending successful funding, construction works are aiming to begin on the new Palm House in 2027.
The building phase of the project is expected to last around four years, subject to funding.
Funding the project
This project is expected to cost in the region of £60 million, with almost a third raised so far from government support and philanthropy. We are seeking support from all levels to enable this flagship renovation project.
The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew would like to thank all those who have given and pledged support to the Palm House project so far including Defra, Julia Rausing Trust, World Monuments Fund Britain, and those who have chosen to remain anonymous. We will be seeking funding for this major project throughout its duration.
Read & watch
.jpg.webp?itok=3OMGDRvh "Waterlily House pond, Andrew McRobb © RBG Kew")
