The pavilions were designed in 1836

It marks the completion of phase two of a �6.68m restoration of the 19-acre grounds on Clarkehouse Road.

Work started on the derelict pavilions in July 2001 and they have been reconstructed as closely to the 1836 originals as possible.

The Heritage Lottery Fund provided �5.06m of funding for the project, with the remainder raised by the Friends of the Botanical Gardens Trust.

Hand-blown cylinder glass has been used to restore the Victorian domes, which are a key feature of the Grade II listed building.

Five-year project

Eight large cast-iron urns, dating back to 1836, have been put on display in front of the pavilions.

They have not been seen by the public since World War II.

The five-year project is the first time a complete restoration of a Victorian botanical garden has been undertaken in the UK.

Further elements to be completed include the complete restoration of the rose garden to its original 19th Century design and transforming the bear pit to house a collection of rare ferns.

The entire project is expected to be finished by September 2004.