Defence Online

The new SKA Global Headquarters at Jodrell Bank – an extension of the current facilities to house more staff as the project ramps up – has been approved by the local planning authority.The Cheshire East Planning Authority has unanimously approved the application for the erection of new single storey research and administration building and associated landscape, car parking and road works connecting to the existing building to form the new SKA Headquarters.When completed, the building will be able to hold up to 135 staff, providing research and office space as well as catering facilities for the organisation that will supervise the international effort to build and operate the world’s largest radio telescope. Due to its international status, the building will also include a council chamber in which representatives of the inter-governmental organisation’s Member States will convene. The Chamber will also double as an auditorium for science conferences and public lectures.The proposed design takes inspiration from the radio waves that are at the heart of the SKA’s work while embracing its natural environment.The £16.5 million new SKA Headquarters is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the University of Manchester with contributions from Cheshire East Council. The design is led by HASSELL and the construction by the firm Sir Robert McAlpine.