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World’s biggest telescope headquarters to be at Jodrell Bank creating 200 jobs

The headquarters for the world’s biggest telescope will be at the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank.

It is estimated to be worth £1bn in private sector investment and will help to secure an additional 200 jobs on the site.

The UK has made a financial commitment of £200m towards the telescope, based on continuing to host the headquarters.

Construction of the telescope, which will be sited in South Africa and Australia, will begin in 2018 and it is expected to be operational for 50 years.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s executive director for economic growth and prosperity, said: “This is a real statement of confidence in scientific research in Britain and also in Cheshire East.

“The Council believes this will lead to further opportunities in the Cheshire and Manchester region and the Council has set out a clear action plan to develop the technology and science corridor in the area. Jodrell Bank plays a key part in this plan.

“We will continue to work closely with partners across the Manchester city region to develop the site’s record in hosting world-class science and visitor activities.”

Professor Colin Bailey, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “Locating the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope, at Jodrell Bank builds on The University of Manchester’s long legacy of world leading radio astronomy as well as the UK’s leading activities in data intensive science.

“More than 50 SKA staff are already at Jodrell Bank in a purpose-built building and we will now further develop the University’s site to meet the needs of this transformational project.”

Professor Stephen Watts, Head of the School of Physics & Astronomy at The University of Manchester, said: “This is great news for Jodrell Bank.

“Not only will it mean cutting edge science will continue to be carried out at the site for the foreseeable future but it will also help inspire the thousands of children who visit here every year from schools across the country.

“It is a great honour to be chosen as the headquarters of the largest telescope ever built.”

The University of Manchester, who owns the Jodrell Bank Site has agreed to donate the buildings to the project worth £3.5m and provide £5.7m towards HQ construction costs.

The local council, Cheshire East has pledged £1m to the HQ construction.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .