New education centre for Botanical Gardens

Replacing a temporary and outdated classroom block, the new building will offer botanical, horticultural and heritage-based educational activities.

Building work is set to begin at the end of this month.

Among the opportunities on offer at the centre will be sessions aimed at schoolchildren, practical courses for adult learners – delivered by experts – and a programme of lectures, demonstrations, art classes and photography courses.

Coun Mary Lea, the council’s cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “I’m really pleased to announce this major development.

“Within the new education centre, which is set to be completed by the end of the year, there will be a library, an office, a kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as three flexible classroom areas which can be opened up to create a larger lecture area.

“The gardens are a wonderful place for everyone in Sheffield to visit and enjoy and the new education centre will provide further opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

“I particularly want to thank the Botanical Gardens Trust and the Friends of the Botanical Gardens for their major contribution to this project and I look forward to the opening at the end of the year.”

The development of a new education centre and more activities has been a long-term aim since the completion, in 2005, of an ambitious restoration project at the gardens.

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust, and the Friends of the Botanical Gardens, have continued to raise funds for the improvement of the site. The new facility will be fully funded by a grant from the trust.