Major renovations of Kew Green unveiled

12.12.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Jun 2007

Completion of the first stage of a major refurbishment of Kew Green will be celebrated by Richmond Council and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Monday, June 18.

Work began last year on the £180,000 scheme which includes the restoration and repainting of lamp columns, railings and benches. Paths have been resurfaced and trees pruned, while signage has also been improved and facilities for cyclists boosted with new cycle stands introduced. The work has been funded by the Council with contributions from the Royal Botanic Gardens, the London Cycle Network and 'The View Exhibition'. To mark the occasion Council Leader, Cllr Serge Lourie, and Professor Stephen Hopper, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, will cut a ribbon. Tony Kirkham, Head of Kew's arboretum and a BBC TV presenter, will plant a tree. A second stage of renovations will take place in conjunction with planned works in the grounds of St Anne's Church.

Cllr Lourie said:?

"We felt it was time to restore Kew Green to its former glory, particularly in view of its location next to Kew Gardens - a World Heritage Site- and because it's the first impression of Richmond upon Thames gained by many visitors to our borough. It's an important gateway. The Royal Botanic Gardens generously donated their time, money and expertise to the project and thanks also to all our partners. The results are absolutely fantastic."