Royal Observatory Greenwich plans new galleries in major revamp

Plans have been submitted for a major refurbishment of the Royal Observatory, including a new entrance pavilion, new galleries and landscaping works to better connect it with Greenwich Park.

The observatory was founded in 1675 on a site chosen by Sir Christopher Wren, its original designer, and was the country’s first purpose-built building for scientific research.

It served as Britain’s national observatory until 1957, when operations moved south to Herstmonceux in East Sussex, before moving again to Cambridge.

What had been renamed the Old Royal Observatory gradually opened to visitors during the 1960s, and became Royal Observatory Greenwich again when operations ceased at Cambridge in 1998.

It now “holds a unique position as a museum, science centre and historic site”, according to Paddy Rodgers, the chief executive of Royal Museums Greenwich, which runs the site as well as the National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark.

Modern planetarium building in grounds of old observatory — The area around the Peter Harrison Planetarium would be landscaped. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Render of similar scene with long grass and trees — The work is to cool down the area around the planetarium. Image: Jamie Fobert/Royal Museums Greenwich

But parts of the observatory are in a poor condition, with some galleries closed to the public or difficult to access for many visitors. There is also overcrowding in some parts of the site, such as the courtyard containing the Prime Meridian.

As well as a new entrance pavilion and garden walk, a lift and new stairs would be added to the Great Equatorial Building – the structure next to the General Wolfe memorial that contains its largest telescope.

A new flexible learning space, Astronomers’ Court, would improve access to a refurbished South Building, which would contain new galleries to demonstrate how astronomers work.

18th-century building with time ball on top and cobbled courtyard — The original observatory was built on a site chosen by Sir Christopher Wren. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Crowds of tourists outside observatory gates on a summer evening — Opening hours would be extended to cater for later visitors in the summer. Image: The Greenwich Wire

While the last refurbishment in 2007 created the Peter Harrison Planetarium, the hardstanding around it has heated the building up so much that barriers have had to be put up to keep the public away from the exterior.

Planning documents submitted to Greenwich Council said the works would “unlock the heritage at the Royal Observatory, fulfilling its long-held potential to inspire visitors and the next generation of scientists”.

“It is also vital for the future financial sustainability of the site and wider estate of Royal Museums Greenwich,” it said. “The project will transform Royal Observatory Greenwich and affirm this special place as the major centre for the public understanding and enjoyment of astronomy: a place of awe and wonder.”

Render of flat glass building — A new entrance pavilion would welcome visitors. Image: Jamie Fobert/Royal Museums Greenwich

The observatory also plans to do more to bring local people into the site to offset fluctuating visitor numbers and to extend visiting hours in the summer so they more closely follow the park’s opening times.

“As the Royal Observatory Greenwich was built and subsequently modified for science rather than public access, the site now needs vital investment not only to safeguard its unrivalled heritage and future-proof it for the next generation, but also to enable access,” Rodgers said.

“Our ambitious project will transform the site, repairing and restoring historic features as well as focusing on physical, cultural, intellectual and economic access so that everyone can enjoy and benefit from all the Royal Observatory has to offer.”

Crowds outside the Observatory — The area around the observatory has recently had a revamp. Image: The Greenwich Wire

Earlier this year Royal Parks finished landscaping works next to the Observatory to expand the area around the General Wolfe memorial and recreate “giant steps” that were a feature of the park in the 17th century.

More details – including a design and access statement which goes into detail about the plans – are on the Greenwich Council planning website. Councillors will give their verdict on the proposals at a later date.

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