HOK has lodged plans for a timber-framed family restaurant at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew that it says will “inspire the next generation to learn about the importance of plants and fungi”.

But the 165-cover structure will require the demolition of a 1,200sq m children’s centre designed by Walters & Cohen and completed in 2004 at a cost of £800,000.

Planning documents submitted to Richmond council earlier this month describe Walters & Cohen’s glass Climbers & Creepers centre as “not fit for purpose … due to the hard surfaces and potential for broken glass”.

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