Observatory site goes up for sale
22 November 2002
Sales advertising starts this weekend for the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL) site at Bidston.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), present owner of much of the site, has prepared a sales brochure and is inviting expressions of interest from potential buyers.
The historic Observatory and lighthouse are grade II listed buildings. They are protected so their outside and essential interior appearances must be preserved. NERC is hoping to receive sensible bids with a sensitive agenda for development of the site.
Buyers of the site would potentially be able to develop it for continuing business use, residential uses such as new housing or a nursing home, and non-residential uses like a museum or a doctor's surgery.
Plans are now well underway for the move of the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory from Bidston Observatory to its new site on the precinct of the University of Liverpool. Work on a new, £4.5m purpose-built laboratory began in Liverpool in August 2002 and is due to be completed by next July. The new laboratory will accommodate all 100 staff at Bidston, who are expected to move in August 2003.
Laboratory Director Dr Edward Hill said,
"This move is designed open up new opportunities for access
to modern buildings and equipment and for much closer scientific
ties with research groups in the University. Being on the
campus of one of the UK's top Universities will provide
just the right environment we need to maintain our world-class
research strength well into the future."
Further information
Steve Hughes
Powis Hughes & Associates
Tel: 01509 670705
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Notes
1. The sale is being handled for NERC by Powis Hughes & Associates, Chartered Surveyors, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derbyshire. Contact Steve Hughes for a sales brochure.
Press release: 13/02
External links
Press links
Recent press news
- New Director for the British Antarctic Survey
- Plans to strengthen UK-Indian collaboration in Earth sciences and environmental research
- CryoSat-2 mission reveals major Arctic sea-ice loss
- UK and USA collaborate in airborne climate science projects
- New capital investments for NERC
- Innovations in soil science will grow the solutions to global food security
- New Year Honours
- Professor Seymour Laxon
- Antarctic lake mission called off
- New genetics project could help save the ash tree