The Natural History Museum has received approval from Wokingham Borough Council to proceed with the construction of a new research centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Reading
The museum will begin the construction of the new collections, science and digitisation centre in early 2025.
Situated in Shinfield at Thames Valley Science Park, the innovation campus of the University of Reading, the building is expected to be finished in 2027.
The centre will be fully operational by 2031
By 2031, the Natural History Museum research centre will be operational with state-of-the-art labs, a workspace for Museum scientists, and storage for 28 million specimens.
The move to Shinfield represents the largest relocation of natural history artifacts globally, made feasible by a £201m investment from the UK Government prioritising science and research.
The new research centre will improve physical and digital collections access to the scientific community.
The museum’s collections of mammals, non-insect invertebrates (such as corals, crustaceans, molluscs, and worms), fossilised mammals and invertebrates, molecular collections, and micropalaeontology will be housed at the new research centre in bespoke storage.
The research centre will be constructed using responsibly sourced materials
The Natural History Museum’s research centre will directly benefit the local community through engagement activities, which have the potential to connect the public, develop skills, and teach them about the natural world.
The centre at Thames Valley Science Park will be constructed with the lowest possible environmental impact, using responsibly sourced materials and services. The Museum is committed to achieving a net-zero carbon building in both construction and operation.
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.”
