Alistair Hardaker
Image: Proposed design for redeveloped Royal Observatory Greenwich © Jamie Fobert Architects
National Lottery Heritage Fund backs £77m First Light project to redevelop galleries and carry out critical conservation work.
Royal Observatory Greenwich, Britain’s oldest purpose-built scientific institution, has secured nearly £10m for its conservation project.
Situated on a hill in Greenwich Park in south east London, the observatory was established in June 1675. It is one of a collection of locations managed by Royal Museums Greenwich alongside the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund donation will support operator Royal Museums Greenwich’s ‘First Light’ project, expected to cost £77m in total.
The project is set to carry out critical work to the institution, including redeveloped galleries, which will “reveal new stories and showcase how centuries of scientific endeavour at the Observatory have shaped our understanding of the Universe”, it said.
The funding was announced this morning at an event attended by Paddy Rodgers, CEO of Royal Museums Greenwich and Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Earlier this year the project gained planning permission, Listed Building Consent and Scheduled Monument Consent for the architectural development, marking its 350th anniversary.
Green light for Royal Observatory Greenwich anniversary redevelopment
Jamie Fobert Architects, appointed through a public competition in 2022, has designed the expansion to include a new entry pavilion and garden walk, accessible routes to the Great Equatorial Telescope and Planetarium, refreshed galleries and new event, retail and café spaces.
