The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew has commissioned a masterplan to outline the site's long-term future and to create the first analysis and proposed design for Kew since the 1840s.

Landscape architects Gross Max will create the project, with the view of improving the experience for visitors and providing a direction for the gardens to evolve over the next 25 years. As part of the plans, Kew's role as a living botanical collection will be considered, along with the positioning of replacement specimens and how the garden is being affected by collections growing and changing.

Gross Max is currently assessing 10 potential proposals for development. It has been reported that a new river approach to Kew Gardens with an adjacent dock could be included, as well as the relandscaping of Kew's river border. A footbridge is also being considered to link Kew Garden to Syon Park, according to The Times newspaper. The plan is due to be completed in November. Eelco Hooftman, partner of Gross Max, said: "The challenge of the project is to pay tribute to the gardens' status as a World Heritage Site as well accommodating continuous transformation. Over the years the gardens have lost their relationship with the River Thames. The opportunity to reintegrate Kew Gardens with the river is an exciting project for the 21st century."

Jill Preston, Kew's director of communications and commercial activities, said: "Kew is a unique landscape of historical and botanical importance, which has continually changed and evolved. In our 250th year the landscape masterplan is an opportunity for us to enhance the gardens and to create a new heritage for the next 250 years."