The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £9.7 million to support major conservation and development work at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

The funding will back the First Light Project, an initiative designed to preserve the Observatory’s historic listed buildings while introducing innovative new spaces for public learning and engagement. Planned developments include the Astronomers’ Court—a covered courtyard for live experiments and interactive sessions—and a roof terrace for telescope livestreams and astronomy-themed events.

Paddy Rodgers, Director of Royal Museums Greenwich, said the investment “will assure its continuance for years to come as a place of awe and wonder that continues to further the public understanding of astronomy.”

The project is scheduled for completion by early 2028.

A Legacy of Science and Discovery

The Royal Observatory’s origins date back to King Charles II, who appointed its first director with the instruction to “apply himself with the most exact care and diligence to the rectifying of the tables of the motions of the heavens... so as to find out the so much desired longitude of places for the perfecting of the art of navigation.”

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“World Space Week is the perfect time to announce our role as a funding partner in this transformational project—a testament to the wonders of history, astronomy, and science.

The Royal Observatory is a beacon of science and learning, and a World Heritage Site of national and international importance. Thanks to National Lottery players, this magical place will continue to inspire for generations to come.

It speaks strongly to our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”