Renovation of our greenhouses!
For a long time, Lund University, donors, and the National Property Board of Sweden have been working to breathe new life into the Botanical Garden’s greenhouses!
The renovation will start in the summer 2024, and we calculate it will be finished by autumn 2026.
What does this mean?
The greenhouses are closed for visitors, while the garden is open as usual. Parts of the garden are closed off to make room for the construction area. A temporary shop can be found in the southern part of the garden (on the pitch in front of "Gula Villan"). Café Botan is closed due to the renovation.
The plan in short:
- The palm house (the large and tall room in the middle of the greenhouses) will be 3 meters higher, which will provide more air and space for the plants, better climate simply.
- New entrance building with showroom, shop, toilets, changing room and planting room. Better for visitors and staff.
- New glass and frames in all greenhouses. New installations with water drainage system, humidification system, electricity, heating, control and regulation system, fans. New interior curtains for sun protection.
- Renovation of the orangeries with new windows.
The renovation began in June 2024 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.
What happens in the greenhouses now?
We continue with the preparations in the greenhouse by digging up about 400 plants that are planted in the greenhouses. These plants will be put into pots so that when the time is due we can move them to temporary greenhouses. Another 700 plants will be pruned and moved to new pots.
What happens in the garden now?
There will be a big working site, and a road to and from the site will have to be established later on. We are preparing for this by allocating some the perennial plants to other places in the garden. Due to this some parts of the garden might seem a bit uncared for at the moment.
The garden's summer flowers, that bloom and light up the whole garden during summer, will not be there this summer as they are placed exactly where the temporary road will run. The road will allow big machinery to be moved to and fro the working site.
There is a lot happening, and surely many have questions. Here we have listed common questions and answers about the renovation.
Why are they rebuilding?
As it is today, valuable plants do not really fit in the current Palm House. The working environment for employees is not good and needs to be improved. The renovation will contribute to making the greenhouse more accessible and an attractive destination. The technical systems and the glass are old and need to be replaced. The rest of the greenhouses and orangeries are in great need of renovation.
What is going to be done?
A new higher Palm House with a ridge height that is three meters higher and a new entrance building, which better suits the needs of the Botanical Garden. The coconut palms and other plants in the Palm House need more space, and technical systems need to be replaced. A comprehensive renovation is also planned for the other parts of the greenhouse.
The low greenhouses and orangeries are also being renovated. What is going to be done?
The National Property Board of Sweden (SFV) has been granted funds from the government for the renovation of the other greenhouses and orangeries. The renovation includes replacement of glass, new frames, new installations, renovation of the orangeries, new windows for the orangeries, and drainage.
4) It has taken ten years to decide to renovate the greenhouses. Why?
The financing of this type of project that is co-financed takes a long time. A large part of the project is funded by donations.
When does the renovation start?
Production is planned to start in the early summer 2024. It starts with the maintenance renovation of the greenhouses and orangeries and then the reconstruction of the Palm House and entrance building.
What permits are needed for you to be able to start?
We need permission from the National Heritage Board, demolition and building permits from Lund city, building permit for temporary shop in the park and permission from the County Administrative Board for excavation. There may be cultural layers. All the permissions have been granted.
When can the projects be completed?
Preliminary opening for the public in autumn 2026.
Does SFV have experience in building greenhouses?
SFV also manages greenhouses in Botanical Uppsala and Bergianska, in Stockholm. 2006 they rebuilt the tropical greenhouse in Botanical Uppsala.
How long does the production take?
The production is estimated to take about two years and be able to open for visitors in autumn 2026.
What does it cost?
The total Palm House project is estimated to cost about 80 million SEK including budget reserve 15 percent. The project is largely financed by Lund University with donations and partially by SFV. The total renovation of the low greenhouses and orangeries is estimated to cost about 50 million SEK. The government has granted 70 million SEK including budget reserve.
Who pays?
The renovation of the Palm House and the entrance building is mainly a tenant adaptation and is financed largely by Lund University. The costs are distributed proportionally between SFV and the tenant. About 81 percent is paid by the tenant and about 19 percent by SFV. For the renovation of the low greenhouses and orangeries, SFV pays for the entire cost.
What do you do with the plants during the time?
Some of the old large trees and plants cannot be moved, they will remain in their place and get protection during the renovation. Most of the potted plants are moved to another working greenhouse in Botan. Some tropical plants will move to other greenhouses owned by LU during the renovation.
Will the garden be open during the time?
The garden will be open with some parts closed around the establishment. This can affect accessibility. When visiting, please see the current status on Botan’s website.
What happens to the shop and café?
The shop will be open on a smaller scale in another location in the garden. The café’s planning is not quite clear yet, but at the moment the café is closed.
Will the greenhouses be closed to visitors?
Yes, it will be closed to visitors throughout the renovation.
What happens to the quails?
The quails have been moved to a new safe place.
What will it look like when it is finished?
See our website www.sfv.se/vara‐fastigheter/byggprojekt/ombyggnad‐av‐vaxthuset‐i‐lundsbotaniska‐ tradgard/#
Is it possible to follow what happens during the renovation?
The plan is to set up a camera during production, and there will be updates on Botan.lu.se
