Royal Observatory Greenwich unveils redevelopment

Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) had revealed details of its £77m plan to redevelop the Royal Observatory.

The London observatory celebrates its 350^th anniversary this year, with the foundation stone for the first Royal Observatory building, designed by Christopher Wren, being laid in August 1675.

RMG appointed Jamie Fobert Architects to carry out the project in 2022 following a public competition. 

Of the £77m budget, £50.5m has been secured. Work starts in September, with a planned opening date in spring 2028.

The new project will add an entry pavilion and garden walk, accessible routes to the Great Equatorial Telescope and Planetarium, refreshed galleries and new event, retail and cafe spaces.

RMG chief executive officer Paddy Rodgers said: “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.”

Over the past six months, the project has achieved planning permission from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, listed building consent and scheduled monument consent.

Other firms working on the project include:

• Landscape designer FFLO.
• Heritage architect Purcell.
• MEP engineer and sustainability firm Max Fordham.
• Structural engineer Price & Myers.
• Lighting designer SMLA.