Concern at future of Herstmonceux Science Centre

The centre announced last week it was looking for new premises as its lease was not being renewed by the Canadian university.

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.”