The Natural History Museum has announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art science and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park on Friday, May 20.
Subject to planning permission, the new facility will house world-leading natural sciences research, with 27 million of the museum’s specimens and 5,500 metres of archive material relocated to the Shinfield site.
The plan will involve major collaboration with the University of Reading in tackling issues including climate change, food security and biodiversity conservation.
The Director of the Natural History Museum Doug Gurr expressed his excitement about the project, saying: “The University of Reading has a world-class reputation for teaching and research and there is enormous scope for collaboration on shared areas of scientific specialisms.”
“We look forward to joining the lively community of ambitious, knowledge-based organisations at Thames Valley Science Park and forging closer relationships with institutions already based there.”
The plans have been enabled through investment by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport as part of the government’s prioritisation of R&D.
Arts Minister, Lord Parkinson, said: “The partnership between the museum and the University of Reading will also see the UK blaze a trail worldwide through the rapid digitisation of collections in cutting-edge science facilities – securing our position as a leader in research and collaboration.”
Sustainability will play a key role in development, with the centre designed for low carbon impact through reduced energy and water use.
The building is set to span the area of three football pitches, with construction expected to be completed by 2026.
The relocation of artefacts will see around a third of the museum’s total 80 million objects move to Shinfield, marking the museum’s largest collections move since the 1880s.
The museum’s vast mammal collections, non-insect invertebrates and ocean bottom sediments are amongst the items to be housed in the facility.
Though not open to the public, the centre will offer opportunity for community engagement through relationships with university and Wokingham schools outreach programmes.
“This is an exciting development for the University of Reading,” The university’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort said.
“It could provide significant opportunities for our academics and students, as well as bringing benefits to the broader local area.”
The project further enhances Shinfield’s reputation as a leading site of discovery and creation. Thames Valley Science Park already plays home to cutting-edge innovators such as the British Museum, Rutherford Cancer Centre and Shinfield Studios.
