A major renovation of the iconic Palm House at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has moved a step closer after a significant grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The development phase grant will see Kew receive an initial £240,000 to help shape detailed plans for the future of the historic glasshouse.

The funding could unlock up to £10 million in further support from the Heritage Fund, a major step towards the £60 million needed for the full renovation.

Located at the heart of Kew's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palm House is showing serious signs of deterioration, having last undergone major renovation in the 1980s.

Without urgent work, both the Grade I listed Victorian structure and the globally significant tropical plants it houses could be at risk.

The proposed project aims not only to conserve one of the UK's most recognisable glasshouses, but also to reimagine its design and energy use for a more sustainable future.

The Palm House will remain open to visitors until 2027. During summer 2026, horticultural teams will begin carefully relocating plants to a temporary glasshouse in preparation for the main works, which are hoped to begin in 2027.

The initial grant will fund research, development and public engagement work, exploring how visitors want to experience the Palm House in the future.

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Plans include improving accessibility and telling new stories about the building's heritage, its plant collections and Kew's global scientific impact.

Kew will also look at how the project can extend beyond the gardens themselves, creating national impact and strengthening community partnerships.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support the renovation of Kew's Palm House, one of the UK's most treasured historic buildings.

"The renovation of this internationally recognised and much-loved glasshouse fits perfectly with our ambitions to help people to connect to our unique natural heritage and for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future."

Rebecca Munro, Executive Director of Development at RBG Kew, described the grant as a "pivotal moment" for the project.

"As one of the world's most recognisable Victorian glasshouses, the Palm House is not only an architectural icon but a living sanctuary for globally important tropical plants," she said.

"This support allows us to get closer to being able to protect its heritage, address urgent conservation needs and reimagine the building for a more sustainable future — while opening new, meaningful ways for communities to engage with Kew's work, now and for generations to come."

Kew will continue fundraising to secure the remaining investment needed to deliver the £60 million transformation.

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READ MORE: Grove Gardens Chapel to reopen after major restoration.

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