The Royal Astronomical Society is delighted to hear that the future of Herstmonceux Observatory has been secured with the signing of a new 10-year lease.
It means The Observatory Science Centre, a charitable venture that welcomes about 60,000 visitors a year, will remain at the site in East Sussex for at least the next decade.
The new deal ensures families can continue exploring hands-on discovery at one of the UK's most iconic destinations for interactive science.
Some of the UK's most historic telescopes are housed at Herstmonceux Observatory, a Grade II*-listed building which was home to the Royal Observatory Greenwich from after the Second World War until 1990.
However, its future had been under threat after The Observatory Science Centre, run by Scientific Projects, was initially told its lease would not be extended beyond 2026.
Earlier this year the RAS joined a number of organisations and thousands of people in signing a petition to preserve the historical site, which has been owned by Queen's University in Canada since 1993, having been gifted by the former owner of Herstmonceux Castle, Alfred Bader.
Members of the Campaign Save Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre said they were pleased with the new lease but ultimately hope to have it extended to between 50 and 100 years.
Abbie Rumbold, chief executive of Science Projects, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Observatory Science Centre for many years to come and are so excited about the opportunity to develop fantastic new visitor experiences.
"Our incredible team is ready to make the next decade and The OSC's fourth, our most fun yet."
Dr Matthew Evans, spokesperson for Bader College and Provost of Queen's University, Canada, added: "This agreement reflects our joint ambition to preserve and enhance this unique site.
"The Observatory Science Centre is an important part of the Herstmonceux Castle Estate, and we look forward to working closely with Science Projects to deliver an exceptional experience for visitors."
ENDS
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Sam Tonkin
Royal Astronomical Society
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About the Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science.
The RAS organises scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognises outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 4,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.
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