Concerns remain for observatory's long-term future

Herstmonceux Observatory has been owned by Queen's University in Canada since the 1990s

Campaigners have said they still have concerns over the future of a historical observatory in East Sussex.

Herstmonceux Observatory, formerly owned by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, has been owned by Queen's University in Canada since the 1990s and leased to the Observatory Science Centre.

The university has responded to an open letter and petition calling for the lease to be extended beyond the end of 2026, saying it is "planning for the site's future".

Campaigners say they are concerned for the Grade II listed building's future without a lease extension.

Ian Whiteley, chair of the campaign to save the site, told BBC Radio Sussex there were reasons to be positive about the university's response.

"It firmly committed Queen's to a lot of things we were calling for" he said, "commitment to STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] education, to astronomy outreach and to listen to our concerns and address them.

"The only problem we have is that it lacks specifics.

"We want the Observatory Science Centre to stay there, we think their lease should be extended because they've made the place a successful tourist site.

"There's nothing in the response from Queen's to suggest that's going to happen."

Increasing light pollution meant the Royal Observatory was relocated from Greenwich to Herstmonceux

In a statement, Queen's University said: "We'd like to reassure the community of our shared commitment to upholding the site's legacy as a hub for scientific literacy, education, and public outreach.

"We recognize the unique heritage and educational value of the observatory site and its importance to the local community and beyond.

"Invested in our planning for the site's future is a commitment to ensuring the science centre provides an inclusive and innovative space for learning and discovery for people of all ages.

"This will include promoting scientific literacy; supporting STEM education; advancing scientific research and collaboration; and expanding access to astronomy and space science."