Natural History Museum to build collections and research centre in Reading

Published by

Daniel Face

Image: Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has got the green light from Wokingham Borough Council to bring a new collections, research and digitisation centre to Thames Valley Science Park in Reading.

Work is due to begin in early 2025 – subject to completion of a Section 106 – and expected to finish in 2027, though the centre won’t open its doors until 2031.

By then, the 25,000 sq m site will be kitted out with high-tech labs, workspace for museum scientists, and purpose-built storage for 28 million specimens.

This represents around a third of the museum’s entire collection, and transporting it all to Shinfield will mark the largest move of natural history specimens in the world.

Read the March 2024 issue of The Business Magazine, including our feature on skills

The museum has released CGI flythrough footage of what the facility is expected to look like, starting at the centre’s pondside entrance.

From there, viewers are taken into the reception lobby and multifunctional space, where lectures and events will be held – then through staff areas, work areas and collection spaces.

In terms of facilities, there will be an imaging and analysis centre, cryo-facilities for tissue storage, and labs for molecular biology, ancient DNA sampling, conversation and specimen preparation.

Tim Littlewood, executive director of science at the museum, said: “We’re 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 project has been made possible by a £201 million grant from the UK government as part of its push to invest in science, research and development.

The Natural History Museum has committed to net zero in both construction and operation of the centre, which will be built using responsibly sourced materials and services.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.