Jodrell Bank secures major Heritage Lottery Fund support
20 May 2015
An artist's impression of the proposed First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank. Image credit: The University of Manchester.
Construction in 1947 of what was then the world's largest radio telescope, the 218-foot Transit Telescope at Jodrell Bank. Image credit: The University of Manchester.
The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory has received Heritage Lottery Fund support* for a £12,147,200 bid for the 'First Light' project, it was announced today. The project aims to conserve and restore the heritage of the Jodrell Bank site and create a spectacular new space in which visitors can engage with and learn about the journey to explore our place in the Universe.
Development funding of £784,800 has also been awarded to help the University progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.
Jodrell Bank is an internationally important place in the heritage of astronomy. It is the only site remaining in the world that shows the whole history of the development of radio astronomy – the first step towards the field of modern astrophysics that we know today. Its story includes revolutionary scientific discoveries, amazing feats of post-war engineering, the dawn of the Space Age and the creation of the Grade-1 listed Lovell Telescope, an icon of UK science and engineering.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: "We are incredibly proud of our current science and great heritage at The University of Manchester and of our iconic site at Jodrell Bank. The announcement today is great news, not only for the University, but for our city-region and the UK-wide science community."
Dr Teresa Anderson, Director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the 'First Light' project. Jodrell Bank epitomises a 'can do' approach to science and engineering and this funding will allow us to tell the story of all the amazing men and women who – sometimes, with help from younger family members – created the Observatory from scratch. Our mission is to inspire the scientists of the future, key to which is understanding that scientific discovery needs grit and determination, just as much as it needs creativity and inspiration!"
Professor Brian Cox, University of Manchester Physicist and Broadcaster, said: "I am really pleased to hear that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the heritage of Jodrell Bank. The rich scientific history of the UK is a key part of our culture and Jodrell Bank is the stand-out icon of UK science and engineering. When I was young, visiting Jodrell Bank was one of the things that inspired me to become a scientist. This new project will inspire many more young people to carry on our great tradition of science and engineering."
Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said: "Jodrell Bank is a remarkable and world-famous site. These initial proposals are ambitious and inspiring; they will encourage people to learn about and celebrate the UK’s longstanding tradition of innovation in science, technology and engineering. The 'First Light' project has a clear focus on volunteering, skills and learning and we know that it will make a big difference in reaching out to a wide range of people, including those of school age."
Media enquiries
Sam Wood
Media Relations Officer
The University of Manchester
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 8155
Email: samuel.wood@manchester.ac.uk
Background notes
*’Support’ means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so this is an endorsement of outline proposals. The project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to secure a firm award.
About Jodrell Bank
The University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Observatory is the home of the Lovell Telescope and operates e-MERLIN, the UK's national radio astronomy facility comprising up to seven radio telescopes spread over 217km and connected by an optical fibre network.
Jodrell Bank also hosts the International Headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array, an ambitious project to build the world’s largest radio telescope in South Africa and Australia.
Jodrell Bank is a world leader in radio astronomy-related research and technology development with a research programme ranging from the study of stars and planets to the origin of the Universe in the Big Bang.
The Jodrell Bank site is also home to the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, which welcomes visitors to the Observatory and engages them directly with research happening at the site. The Centre features exhibitions on topics from cosmology to the search for life, including the work of the Lovell Telescope and others around the world. It offers opportunities to meet the scientists, short courses and other events including in literature, music and the arts. Visitors can also explore extensive gardens and enjoy the award-winning café.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife, we use National Lottery players' money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. www.hlf.org.uk. For more information please contact Katie Owen, HLF Press Office, on 020 7591 6036/07973 613820.
