Repairs to Dome B

The Observatory Science Centre is a Grade II* listed property. Formerly The Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO); it occupied the site at Herstmonceux from 1956 to 1990 following relocation of the observatory from Greenwich in London. The RGO was an internationally renowned observatory with approximately 200 employees at the peak of operations. Important observations were made at the RGO in Herstmonceux making it a recognised site of national and international historic significance in both astronomy and scientific discovery.

The observatory was designed by the acclaimed New Zealand born architect Brian O'Rorke. With its unique arrangement of domes around a central bastion, the Equatorial Group was one of the most important government commissioned building projects of its period. 

We want to preserve this unique site so we can continue to offer 'Spectacular Science' and astronomy to you all but the buildings are old and the original front entrance needed urgent attention to keep it safe. 

Thanks to a grant of £47,000 from the Wolfson Foundation, £5,000 from the Chalk Cliff Trust and to you for helping to match the shortfall with your very generous donations, the project is nearly complete. It's taken what seemed a VERY long time; much longer than first anticipated but at last we have light back in the Earth & Beyond gallery!   

Prolonged, unobserved water ingress had resulted in extensive corrosion to the metal framework which had in turn caused one of the window panels to crack. The area was being protected by barriers and acrow props were put in place to make sure the lintel is secured. More cracks appeared in the glass so the window eventually needed boarding to keep visitors safe. 

The base of the domes are faced with wood-burnt West Sussex brick. The balconies and window surrounds finished in Portland stone; the terrace paved in Yorkstone with Portland stone steps and edgings. The buildings were finished to the highest standards and as a Grade II* listed property the repairs had to be carefully considered.

This photograph of a rainbow over Dome B, taken by our CEO Steve Pizzey before we were awarded the Wolfson Foundation grant, was a fantastic omen!

With your help we have raised enough money to help cover the shortfall so far. There are a few more things to do such as the graphic on the window but we are pretty much there.

You desreve a massive thank you from all the team at The Observatory Science Centre.

We just have to sort out the rest of the building now!!!

Please do continue to donate if you can as it certainly helps this wonderful charity with not just the current ongoing repairs but all the other repairs that continuously need to be done.