Peers move on bill seeking extension of Kew Garden leases

Allowing Kew Gardens to lease buildings within its boundaries for up to 150 years would enable it to preserve its reputation as a leading research institution, peers have said.

The third iteration of a bill that would allow Kew to increase its income through extended leases received its second reading in the House of Lords on 7 May. Currently, the Crown Lands Act 1702 limits leases at the botanic gardens to a term of 31 years.

Conservative peer John Gardiner, parliamentary under-secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said longer leases would enable Kew to get additional income from land and property as well as reducing maintenance liabilities and running costs.