Concerns for future of heritage observatory site

The centre says it needs to move from the observatory before the end of 2026

A council has called for answers after concerns were raised about the future of a historic observatory in East Sussex.

In July, the Observatory Science Centre (OSC) said it needed to move from the Herstmonceux observatory before the end of 2026 as its lease had not been extended by Queen's University, which runs Bader College at the nearby castle.

Wealden District Council’s chief executive Trevor Scott has now written to the Canadian university to ask for clarity on the future of the site's use and the preservation of the heritage assets and the historic telescope.

Jennifer Medves, special advisor to the chair of the board of Bader College, said: "The university values these sites and will continue to abide by all requirements associated with their long-term care."

The university explained it would soon be carrying out a full operational and strategic review concerning the future "orientation of the college" and the Herstmonceux property.

"Signing a long-term lease in advance of that effort would necessarily prejudice its outcome.

The letter to the vice-chancellor said the centre was an "important feature" in the district and protected the assets on the site.

Mr Scott added that the council had received "considerable contact" from people "both local and far and wide" about the centre.

Liberal Democrat Paul Coleshill, who represents Herstmonceux and is the lead councillor for climate change and economy, said: "The science centre is not only a wonderful resource for young people provoking the wonder of science, but also protects the heritage domes housing telescopes from the old Greenwich observatory."

He explained that the council was in discussions with the science centre to see how it could support them.

The observatory said it was unable to comment.

Ms Medves added: "We appreciate the decision not to renew a long-term lease with the OSC while we undertake our work creates significant challenges for their operations and we respect their decision to find a new location."