Works Across the Estate

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We are giving our site some TLC during 2024. It’s a really exciting time, but does mean that some areas will be inaccessible and noisier at various times.

When you’re visiting us please follow signs and keep to designated routes, and enjoy your visit.

Lift works

Our main lift has been experiencing failures for several years, and it now needs to be replaced entirely. The works will last until Friday 28 June, as this is a considerable undertaking. The work to replace the lift will be noisy at times. We apologise for this inconvenience.

If you are a wheelchair user or have access needs, please speak to one of our Visitor Hosts with the yellow lanyards who can help you access the lower ground floor. The Aquarium lift is unaffected.

We encourage visitors to leave buggies and scooters at home during this time where they can, but appreciate this is not always possible.

Nature + Love

The Natural History Gallery will be closed from 4 March 2024 for redisplay, and will not reopen until 2026. The Natural History Gallery Balcony is now closed.

Parts of the Gardens are also undergoing redevelopment as part of Nature + Love. Some areas and paths will be inaccessible, particularly around the old Boating Pond, Bandstand and South Downs Meadow. Please follow signage onsite, be aware of increased vehicle traffic and keep up to date with project news: Nature + Love.

Centre for Understanding the Environment (CUE building)

Work will be taking place to replace the roof of the CUE building until the end of March 2024. Scaffolding will be installed for the duration of the works, and the bike parking outside the building will be out of use. Access up and down the Avenue will be maintained as much as possible, but there may be temporary diversions via the Gardens. Please follow signage when you visit.

The CUE building opened in 1996 and was designed by local architects Architype using methods developed by Walter Segal. It was originally designed as a temporary structure with a projected life of ten years, and 27 years later the waterproof membrane needs replacing to prevent leaks and pests. The existing grass roof will be recycled and a new one re-established when we are able to do so.

Dates

Currently active