Cambridge University Botanic Garden to get new ticket office

An artist's impression of the new ticket office planned for the popular city attraction

A new ticket office is set to be built at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

The popular tourist attraction's entrance on Hills Road, in the city, will be transformed after planning permission was granted to replace the wooden hut that currently greeted visitors.

The city council approved plans for a new office, which included toilets and a shop.

Work is expected to start this year.

A garden spokesperson said: "The current ticket office, which is basic in appearance and facilities, is not adequate for welcoming many of the 350,000-plus visitors to the garden each year."

Queues at the current ticket office often snake out past the garden entrance on Hills Road in Cambridge

Prof Sam Brockington, its acting director, added: "We want visits to the garden to be as easy and pleasurable as possible.

"New and enhanced facilities at the ticket office will also include a shop, toilets, changing rooms, storage and a buggy store.

"The new ticketing area will also increase the space and number of visitor service points - reducing queues at busy times and allowing visitors to enter and enjoy the beauty of the garden as quickly as possible."