Royal Observatory Greenwich plans major redevelopment to mark 350th anniversary
The Observatory is marking its 350th anniversary with a major redevelopment project designed to improve public access and reimagine how it tells the story of time and space.
The view of the new event space. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) Known globally as the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time, the observatory was established in June 1675 by King Charles II to advance navigation and astronomy.
Paddy Rodgers, chief executive of Royal Museums Greenwich, said: "Founded 350 years ago, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is Britain's oldest purpose-built scientific institution.
"It is the birthplace of modern astronomy and the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time.
"Through this project we aim to inspire new audiences and advance our remit as a place for the public understanding of astronomy as decreed by our Royal Warrant.
"The Royal Observatory has long been a place of curiosity, meticulous observation and creative thinking.
"This encapsulates the spirit of this project."
The existing site of the Royal Observatory. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects)
The view of the Great Equatorial Telescope Building and its new stair with café pavilion. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) The first building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was constructed that same year.
Over the centuries, the site has expanded with new buildings and technologies.
Now, with planning permission and listed building consent secured from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a new phase of development is set to begin.
Jamie Fobert Architects, appointed in 2022 following a public competition, will lead the design.
Proposed plan for the Royal Observatory. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects)
Section through the Great Equatorial Telescope building with new access stair. (Image: Jamie Fobert Architects) Their plans include a new entry pavilion, garden walk, improved accessibility, refreshed galleries, and updated event, retail, and café spaces.
Jamie Fobert, architect, said: "It is a great privilege to be tasked with considering how best to add to the Royal Observatory Greenwich site.
"Fascinated by the sextants, the telescopes, and other objects in the collection and how their makers, in the 18th century and 19th century, blended functionality with aesthetics, we conceived of the new building elements as 'instruments of navigation' to guide the visitor around the site.
"Unique to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, we are creating a memorable set of pavilions and stairs in bronze, which test the boundaries of what an astronomical language of architecture can be."
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The design aims to improve the visitor journey while respecting the historical significance of the site.
The project also includes a new landscape scheme led by FFLO.
James Fox, landscape designer at FFLO, said: "The Royal Observatory was a place where people lived and worked and studied.
"In this project we are bringing gardens back to the Royal Observatory, giving order to the journey through it, softly framing the buildings here, and bringing comfort, nature, and delight to the visitors who will explore the reinvigorated site in two years' time, wondering at science in nature."
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