Future of Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre uncertain after recent announcement

It has been a difficult time for the Herstmonceux Castle Estate, issues with the castle building have led to the prolonged closure of the university and popular events venue and plans for significant building works are underway. During this difficult time the owners of the estate ‘Bader College’ have made a difficult decision and announced that the lease for The Observatory Science Centre will not be renewed when it comes up in 2026.

We have obtained the following statement from them:

Statement Concerning The Observatory Science Centre

“The Board of Trustees of Bader College made the difficult decision not to renew a long-term lease with The Observatory Science Centre when its lease expires in 2026.

“We are committed to the long-term success of the college and the Herstmonceux property. We will soon be embarking on a full operational and strategic review concerning the future orientation of the college and the Herstmonceux property on which it is located. Signing a long-term lease in advance of that effort would necessarily prejudice its outcome.

“We appreciate the decision not to renew a long-term lease with the Centre while we undertake our work creates significant challenges for their operations and we respect their decision to find a new location.

“Bader College and the Herstmonceux property have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with The Observatory Science Centre. We continue to work closely with them through these times which are challenging for both organizations. “

Science Centre appeals for help to find a new home

Abbie Rumbold, Interim CEO, The Observatory Science Centre, said:

“We will be very sad to leave the Observatory, which has been our home for the past 30 years but we are excited at the prospect of finding a new location for our many spectacular interactive science exhibits. We hope that moving will allow us to develop, with more space for science indoors and out and more school and holiday workshops – as well as all you usually expect from us – engaging exhibits, science shows and events. And hopefully all with increased accessibility so that more members of the community can benefit.

Until then it will be business as usual – we are looking forward to a great summer and then a year packed full of events for our 30th anniversary in 2025.

So watch this space and please contact me at abbie@science-projects.org  if you know somewhere you think might suit us!”

Local groups express concern over the uncertain future for the science centre

Local groups have expressed concern over this decision and the impact it will have on the Observatory Science Centre which is set within the ground of Herstmonceux Castle. The centre announced last week it was looking for new premises. A petition has been started and Wealden District Council’s chief executive Trevor Scott has written to the vice-chancellor of the university asking for clarity on the future of the ongoing use and preservation of the heritage assets and historic telescope on the site.

In his letter Mr Scott said, “As you will no doubt be aware, the science centre is an important feature in our district. The science centre not only protects the assets on the site, but also offers educational and fun interaction in the field of science and space exploration.

“As I understand it, the centre had over 60,000 visitors last year and the demand continues to grow.

“Since the announcement that you would be bringing their lease to a close, we have had considerable contact from concerned people both local and far and wide who are shocked at the prospect of the science centre closing. At the present time, it is difficult for us to offer any reassurance to those people as we only learnt about the decision when the press statement was issued.

“I am therefore reaching out to ask if we could arrange a conversation to get a better understanding around the future intentions of the university for this site. We fully understand the challenging financial position that you are facing at Herstmonceux Castle, with the need for significant renovations.

“Nevertheless, the castle and the science centre are important features and we would like to understand what your plans are for the future and how we can help to ensure the ongoing use and preservation of these historic buildings.”

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy, who also represents Herstmonceux, said, “I was shocked to hear about a proposed ending of the lease on the science centre at Herstmonceux Observatory in the grounds of Herstmonceux castle.

“The whole estate – science centre, castle, and park – is owned by Bader College of Queen’s University. 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.

“We are disappointed not to have been kept informed by the university, which we are still trying to contact. That said, we are in discussions with the science centre to support them in any way we can.”