Arup team working on redevelopment of Armagh Astropark in Northern Ireland

An Arup-led team including Grimshaw and TODD Architects has been appointed to design a major redevelopment of the globally renowned Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland.

The project, which has been funded jointly by the government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will restore the site’s late 18th century observatory buildings and replace its 1960s planetarium with an up-to-date facility featuring the UK’s first LED dome.

Armagh Observatory, located in Armagh, was founded in 1789 and still functions as a working research institute, with around 25 astronomers based at the site. 

It is known for scientific developments including the invention of the cup anemometer, a device for measuring windspeed, and for maintaining 232 years of unbroken weather records.

The site’s restoration and refurbishment is aiming to support 21st century astrophysical research with upgraded facilities for its scientists and improved visitor spaces for educational and school visits.

The planetarium, first opened in 1968, will be redeveloped to make way for a new building described by the project team as a “transformative cultural and educational anchor for Armagh”.

The new planetarium’s LED technology will provide “immersive capabilities far beyond current standards”, enabling more engaging and dynamic storytelling, the team added.

The two sites are set within around 14 acres of landscaped parkland known as the Armagh Astropark, a major tourist attraction on the island of Ireland.

The redevelopment will aim to build on the visual and physical connections of the grounds with tree-lined routes linking the observatory and planetarium, weaving together heritage and contemporary architecture celebrating the site’s scientific legacy.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium director Michael Burton said the work was “essential to ensuring we remain a world-renowned centre of astronomical research while preserving the remarkable heritage of our scientific instruments and Observatory.”

Grimshaw partner Declan McCafferty added: “Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a remarkable place that I have loved ever since visiting it as a child. It’s a place where centuries of scientific discovery sit within a beautiful landscape. 

“To contribute to its renewal is a privilege. This redevelopment honours the site’s architectural and scientific legacy, strengthening its standing as a global centre of excellence and supporting its journey toward UNESCO World Heritage status.”

Arup is engineer on the scheme with Grimshaw and TODD Architects working jointly as architects alongside conservation practice James Grieve.

Others on the team include cost consultant and project manager Gleeds, planning consultant Tandem, transport consultant Karen McShane and Tandem on interpretive design.