One of the largest temperate glasshouses in Europe is opening in Sheffield on Wednesday.

The Winter Garden is the centrepiece of a major �120m project to regenerate the city centre.

Work began on the new building in March 2002 on the site of the old Town Hall extension.

It now forms part of the developing hub of the city that links the old Victorian Town Hall and the Millennium Galleries.

Intelligent building

Over 2,000 square metres of glass was used to contruct the 220 ft long glasshouse, the biggest to be constructed anywhere in the UK for a centurry.

The 2,000 plants housed in the garden will be protected by an intelligent building management system.

It controls the climate inside the glasshouse with fans and vents to keep the plants cool in summer and warm in winter.

Council leader Jan Wilson described the new attraction as "incredible".

Sheffield Council are excited about the project

She said: "Like everyone else, I have seen it get closer and closer to completion, and I can't wait for it to open so everyone can enjoy it.

"The building and the plants are truly amazing, and the opening celebration will be a fantastic event for everyone in Sheffield."

Fireworks and street entertainment are promised in the build-up to its grand opening to the public at 1930 GMT on Wednesday 11 December.