Jodrell Bank put forward as World Heritage Site candidate
Date added:
12/10/2017
Jodrell Bank in Cheshire has been selected as the next UK candidate to go forward for nomination to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, meaning it could soon join the likes of Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu on the prestigious list.
The observatory, part of the University of Manchester, is now preparing the papers for nomination which will be submitted to UNESCO in January 2018.
Jodrell Bank, which is home to the famous Lovell Telescope, is located near the Cheshire village of Goostrey.Professor Teresa Anderson, director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre said: "We have been preparing the case for the World Heritage Site inscription for Jodrell Bank Observatory for some years now, so it’s absolutely fantastic to reach this milestone. The Lovell Telescope in particular has become an icon for science and engineering, and we look forward to showcasing the rich scientific heritage of this and the wider site on an international stage."
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, said: "The university is very proud that our Jodrell Bank Observatory is going forward to UNESCO for inscription as a World Heritage Site. As an institution that is known for its internationally leading research, it is very fitting that our rich heritage in science has received such acclaim."
In preparation for inclusion in the World Heritage List, the site is improving its visitor facilities and working on a project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to create a new gallery space that will celebrate the 'can do' story of the creation of the new science of radio astronomy.
In August, Jodrell Bank's second largest radio telescope the Mark II Telescope was awarded grade I-listed status. A total of six structures were listed on the 60th anniversary of when the Lovell Telescope was first used to collect radio signals from the universe.
Read more at insidermedia.com
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