Jodrell Bank Observatory gains World Heritage Status
CBA supported the successful World Heritage Site inscription by preparing a Conservation Management Plan amongst other heritage management support.
We are delighted that the Jodrell Bank Observatory has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Meeting in Azerbaijan on 7 July 2019, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee formally recognised the outstanding universal value of Jodrell Bank in the development of modern astronomy.
Dominated by the monumental and iconic Lovell Telescope, Jodrell Bank is a unique place. Blending the heritage of pure science with on-going scientific research and public engagement, the Observatory has a special place in the history of astronomy. Founded in 1945, Jodrell Bank has continued to transform our understanding of the Universe ever since, playing a pivotal role in the study of quasars, pulsars, gravitational lenses and much more.
CBA's role in supporting the successful World Heritage Site inscription is acknowledged in the University of Manchester's nomination dossier: "Chris Blandford Associates supported the development of the heritage management at Jodrell Bank for some time, including the preparation of the superb Conservation Management Plan. Since then they have helped with many other elements and we would like to thank them for their speedy and professional support, especially as the nomination deadline approached".
Following nomination, CBA has also advised the University of Manchester on the restoration and conservation of the site's historic Botany Huts.