Armagh Observatory and Planetarium unveils stellar transformation plans
With inspiration drawn from the Las Vegas Sphere, the UK and Ireland’s first wraparound and completely immersive LED dome theatre will be the jewel in the crown of a multi-million-pound transformation of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
The redevelopment represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revitalise this iconic Northern Ireland asset, creating a world-class experience for local and international visitors.
Plans will see the current planetarium rebuilt in a different location on the historic site. This will allow for a complete reimagining of the entrance, expanded car-parking facilities and importantly, establish an even closer physical link with the centuries-old observatory.
It will also underscore Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s position as a world-leading centre for astronomical discovery and a place that inspires multiple generations through the wonders of science.
The vision is to sensitively integrate state-of-the-art facilities whilst protecting the site’s exceptional heritage, strengthening research, education and public engagement.
Leading the project will be Arup, the renowned international engineering consultancy who, this year, will complete La Sagrada Familia - the famously unfinished Barcelona church designed by architect, Antoni Gaudi and commenced in 1883.
TODD Architects, the team who designed Titanic Belfast will work alongside global architecture practise, Grimshaws, the firm responsible for designing the Eden Project in Cornwall.
In addition, Gleeds, the company project managing and providing design assurance for the Belfast Stories initiative have been brought on as construction consultants. Tandem, the interpretive design consultancy whose projects include the award-winning Seamus Heaney HomePlace will lead on the visitor experience design.
The initial design phase will be supported by the Department for Communities and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional funding is required to complete the project and alternative sources of funding are currently being explored.
Professor Michael Burton, Director, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium said: "Fundamental discoveries of global importance, which have informed and shaped scientific thought and the study of the cosmos, have been made by astronomers in Armagh since the Observatory’s foundation.
“This investment is hugely important so that we can continue to be a world-renowned centre of astronomical research excellence while also preserving the remarkable heritage of the scientific instruments and the Observatory
“We deeply value the significant support provided by the Minister and his Department and we are also extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their commitment and confidence, which have been instrumental in advancing this project.”
Founded in 1790, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Ireland and the UK and houses the oldest telescope in the world still in its original setting. Astronomers based in Armagh have contributed to major scientific discoveries since the late eighteenth century.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a key partner in the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, alongside Dunsink Observatory/Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies and the Birr Scientific and Heritage Foundation in County Offaly. The observatories are progressing a joint bid for inscription as a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site between the UK and Ireland.