Natural history museum collection to come to Reading
The mueum has been granted planning permission for a storage and research centre at Thames Valley Science Park
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
A huge new building for the Natural History Museum near Reading has been given planning permission.
The London-based museum is to build a research and storage facility – housing material ‘equivalent to the length of over 211 Diplodocuses’ – at Thames Valley Science Park.
Tim Littlewood, Executive Director of Science at the Museum, said:
“We are thrilled that Wokingham Borough Council have granted planning permission for our new facility in Reading. This new site will enable us to secure irreplaceable collections in a purpose-built storage facility, provide new scientific infrastructure to accelerate research and digitisation, and act as a base for new collaborations and partnerships.”
The Natural History Museum says the new building is to house around a third of collection, as well as “cutting edge laboratories” for its scientists.
Designs submitted to Wokingham Borough Council say the move would “entail the largest ever move of natural history specimens globally – 28 million specimens in total – equivalent to one third of NHM’s collection.”
They add: “In addition, 5,500 metres of library material will also be moved – equivalent to the length of over 211 Diplodocuses.”
Councillors on Wokingham Borough’s planning committee approved the project on Wednesday night.
Planning officers strongly recommended they approve the plans. Their report to councillors said the ‘economic, social and sustainable benefits’ that the facility would bring outweigh ‘any adverse impacts on the countryside.’
They noted that there have already been ‘significant changes to the landscape’ around the science park, including the construction of Shinfield studios.
Planning officers said: “In principle the location of the site in the countryside means that there is a conflict” with planning policies. But they add: “For the reasons discussed in the planning balance section of the report, any adverse impacts on the countryside are outweighed by the economic, social and sustainable benefits that this important facility would deliver.
“115 permanent positions would directly be employed by the operation of the building and there would be 83 supporting roles. Construction activities would also generate 326 jobs both on site and in the wider supply chain over a three year build phase.”
What will be in the centre?
Housed at the new centre in bespoke storage will be the Museum’s collections of mammals, non-insect invertebrates (such as corals, crustaceans, molluscs and worms), fossilised mammals and invertebrates, molecular collections and micropalaeontology. The facility will include an imaging and analysis centre, including digitisation suites; state-of-the-art molecular biology laboratories, including ancient DNA labs; cryo-facilities for tissue storage; conservation labs; and specimen preparation labs, including quarantine facilities.
The Museum say their science is outward-facing, responsive and driven by collaboration. They are working in partnership with the University of Reading to drive forward scientific innovation and translate research into action against the planetary emergency.
Their new facility will also bring benefits to the local community directly through engagement activities, which have the potential to connect the public with the research, develop skills and learn about the natural world.