Harcourt Arboretum in Oxfordshire has appointed architect Purcell to work up designs for a visitor and learning centre that will include a café and shop, as well as all-weather education space.

The grade I-listed attraction at Nuneham Courtenay, five miles south of Oxford city centre, covers 52ha and boasts a nationally-important collection of trees.

Earlier this year site-owner Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum – which is part of the University of Oxford – was awarded £191,420 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to work up proposals for the new centre at Harcourt in preparation for a full grant application.

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