Armagh Observatory and Planetarium plans a new visitor centre in Armagh city. The project forms part of a redevelopment of the Planetarium, which opened in 1968 on the College Hill site.

Developers propose a new LED Dome, the first in the UK and the second in Europe. The work aims to increase capacity for leisure and educational visitors.

Plans include protection measures for the Observatory, founded in 1790. The masterplan calls for a Centre for the Cosmos to promote public understanding of science.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council received a request to host a deputation from Observatory and Planetarium representatives. The economic development and regeneration committee will consider the request.

The site pursues UNESCO World Heritage recognition. A first-stage bid was submitted in summer 2022 with observatories at Birr in County Offaly and Dunsink in Dublin.

Armagh Observatory holds six generations of telescopes. These range from instruments installed in 1769 to the Armagh Robotic Telescope of 2010. The Troughton Equatorial, installed in 1795, remains in its original dome.

The council committee will review the matter at its next meeting in April.